Local tennis players have embraced the idea of Rwanda Tennis Federation to organize an annual tournament in honor of the late Jean Claude Gasigwa—the former Rwanda’s number one, passed away in January last year.

According to RTF officials, the inaugural tourney, dubbed ‘Gasigwa memorial tournament’ is scheduled to take place from March 21-27 at Amahoro stadium tennis courts. The one-week tournament set to attract all local tennis players and others from the East African region. 

Gasigwa died suddenly after collapsing during training at Cercle Sportif de Kigali—his death shocked not only the tennis fraternity but the entire nation and the region at large.

Looking ahead to the first edition, Rwanda’s current top duo, Dieudonne Habiyambere and Olivier Havugimana, expressed their gratitude to the tournament organizers, RTF.

"He made, not only Rwandan tennis, but the country at large, on a continental level, he was always eager to teach young talents and most of the current players learned a lot from him.

"I think this is a good tournament to honor him. I’m training hard since last week, and looking forward to the tournament, and possibly winning it,” said 30-year old Habiyambere, who is expected to be the tournament top seed.

Second seed, Havugimana, 22, noted that: "Gasigwa was our role model, a brother and above all, the country’s top tennis player, I am glad that this tournament has been organized to remember his achievements.” 

The duo is currently training daily at Cercile Sportif de Kigali since last week alongside their compatriots Etienne Niyigena, Matayo Uwizeyimana and Damascene Munyaneza. 

editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Meanwhile, RTF secretary general, Valens Habimana has confirmed the participations of players from Uganda, DR Congo, Burundi and Kenya, with Zambia also expected to confirm their participation in the coming days. The event will be open to both amateurs and professionals, in both genders.editorial@newtimes.co.rw