At 19, Claude Ishimwe has made his mark on Rwanda’s tennis scene, capping off 2024 with a triumphant victory in the inaugural National Championship Master.
Ishimwe spoke to Times Sports about the challenges and triumphs of competing as a young tennis player in Rwanda and his aspirations for the sport's future.
Winning the National Championship Master was a big achievement for Ishimwe, but the path to success wasn’t easy.
"Having more tournaments within and outside the country gives us a chance to gain experience. Before, we struggled in competitions against foreign players who used to beat us all the time. Now, I feel confident we can compete at their level.” he said.
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Ishimwe’s year was marked by intense rivalry with Estine Niyigena in the Rwanda National Ranking Championship, a tournament aimed at boosting the competitiveness of local tennis players.
In September, Ishimwe secured victory over Niyigena but was defeated in October. However, Ishimwe redeemed himself in November by defeating Niyigena in the National Championship Master, showcasing his resilience.
"Tennis demands consistency and patience if you want to last in this sport,” Ishimwe said.
He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by many Rwandan players.
"For instance, it costs Rwf8,000 for a racket string, and I use two strings a week during practice. It’s difficult to train consistently when equipment is so expensive,” he explained.
Born on December 7, 2006, in Rugunga, Nyarugenge District, Ishimwe’s love for tennis began at age 10, inspired by his older sister, who played at Cercle Sportif De Kigali.
By 2022, he represented Rwanda’s U16 national team, leading them to victory in a regional tournament after defeating Burundi in the finals. In 2023, Ishimwe graduated to the senior national team, competing in the Davis Cup Africa and earning a junior world ranking of 870.
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Ishimwe draws inspiration from Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic and dreams of becoming the first Rwandan player to compete professionally in the U.S. or Europe.
"Playing internationally would be a dream come true,” he said.
While Ishimwe appreciates the efforts put into the sport’s development by Rwanda Tennis Federation (FRT), he believes there’s room for growth.
"The federation has done a lot. But we need sponsors to invest in tennis and more international tournaments to improve our skills and competitiveness.”
As Ishimwe continues to hone his craft, his journey serves as a testament to the potential of young athletes in Rwanda, inspiring a new generation to pick up a racket and aim for greatness.