16 year-old Brian Hirwa Karenzi was the only Rwandan to win a game at the ongoing ITF Junior World Tennis Tournament taking place at IPRC-Kigali Tennis Grounds in Kicukiro.

Karenzi emerged victorious after beating Indian tennis player, Harshith Srivatsav Reddy Anugonda in three sets ( 6-2 3-6 [10-5]).

"The win today is all I wanted because I have to make sure I make it to the final draw of this competition. Tomorrow (Sunday) will be much tougher because I will be facing stronger opponents but I promise to give my all” said Karenzi.

Despite the win, the youngster who plays for IPRC-Kigali Tennis Academy has to beat France’s Maxim Gouge on Sunday to qualify for the main draw.

The ITF Junior tournament that got underway on Saturday, 12 February is meant to give 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 25th February.

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.