The 2022 ITF Junior World Tennis Tournament got underway on Saturday, 12 February at IPRC-Kigali Tennis Grounds in Kicukiro.

The ITF Junior tournament gives players aged 18 and below the opportunity to travel to different parts of the globe and develop their talent in Tennis. 

83 players from 33 countries are taking part in the tournament that will come to a close on 26th February.

According to Theoneste Karenzi, the president of Rwanda Tennis Federation, hosting the tournament means a lot for the development of tennis in Rwanda.

"I believe our federation has accomplished a lot in a short period of time, and tennis is becoming a popular sport in Rwanda. As a country, we are very happy to host this tournament because we think it will give our players more exposure and confidence to play against other professionals from across the world. This tournament also falls well into the Meetings Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) agenda of our country.” Karenzi told The New Times.

Theoneste Karenzi, President Rwanda Tennis Federation. 

"This event, as well as future ones, will help to raise the profile of Rwanda tennis and such international tournaments provide the perfect platform for upcoming players to exhibit their talent” he added.

The top ranked boy and girl are  Hady El Kordy from Egypt  who is ranked 191 in the world , Alina Valitova from St Kitts and Neves ranked 216.

The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors provides a launch pad for the best players to go on and achieve success in the professional game.

The top eight juniors at the end of the year go head-to-head at the prestigious season-ending ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals. 

Saturday's results:

Ron ROOPESH (GBR) bt Niyonsenga pierre NIYONSENGA (RWA) 6-3 7-5

Elijah Max CALAQUIAN (USA) bt Ivan gift NGARAMBE (RWA) 6-0 6-1

Zoltan PALFI (HUN) bt Raoul ISHIMWE (RWA) 6-0 6-0

Benedict HORN-BOURQUE (CAN) bt Yves TWAHIRWA (RWA) 6-0 6-0

Derin SEN (AUS) bt David MANZI (RWA) 6-0 6-0

Paul-Arthur ASTIER (FRA) bt poorya PARYAB (IRI) 6-0 6-0

Hirwa Brian KARENZI (RWA) bt Harshith Srivatsav Reddy ANUGONDA (IND) 6-2 3-6 [10-5]

Pavan UPPU (USA) bt RICARD RODOLFO GARAVI YEPEZ (ESP) 6-3 6-3