Evans Maripa produced a dominant display at the World Tennis WC50 Enrique Esteire Polokwane Open, securing both the men's singles and doubles titles to cap off a successful week of international wheelchair tennis in Polokwane. The former African No. 1 led a strong South African showing at the tournament, which featured competitors from South Africa, Latvia, Egypt, Tanzania and Botswana battling for valuable World Tennis ranking points.
Maripa was in outstanding form throughout the week and capped off his campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 victory over fellow South African Mpho Mhlongo in the men's singles final. He then partnered with Mhlongo to secure the men's doubles title, defeating Mayenzeke Gwija and Mzwanele Thentsi 7-6(2), 6-2 in the championship match.
While Maripa dominated the men's competition, Latvia's Ailina Mosko also enjoyed a memorable tournament, claiming two titles of her own. Mosko defeated South Africa's Lesedi Malepe 6-2, 6-4 to lift the women's singles trophy before overcoming Botswana's Omphile Bothasitse 6-0, 6-1 in the girls' singles final.
South Africa's rising wheelchair tennis stars also made their mark during the tournament. Lwandiso Mchunu captured the boys' singles title with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over compatriot Sthembiso Dladla. The pair later joined forces to win the boys' doubles title, highlighting the depth of emerging wheelchair tennis talent in the country.
The World Tennis WC50 Enrique Esteire Polokwane Open formed part of the World Tennis Wheelchair Tennis Tour and was delivered through a partnership between Tennis South Africa (TSA) and Asociación Enrique Esteire Perla In Memoriam (AEEPIM), a Spain-based non-profit organisation committed to promoting inclusion, accessibility and opportunities through sport.
The international wheelchair tennis action continues this week at Polokwane Tennis Club with the Breaking Barriers Polokwane Open, the second World Tennis Wheelchair Tennis Tour event taking place in Limpopo.
Week 1 Champions – World Tennis WC50 Enrique Esteire Polokwane Open
Men's Singles
- Evans Maripa (RSA)
Women's Singles
- Ailina Mosko (LAT)
Boys' Singles
- Lwandiso Mchunu (RSA)
Girls' Singles
- Ailina Mosko (LAT)
Men's Doubles
- Evans Maripa (RSA) / Mpho Mhlongo (RSA)
Boys' Doubles
- Lwandiso Mchunu (RSA) / Sthembiso Dladla (RSA)
-Ends-