Lucky Danjuma has won the International Tennis Federation (ITF ) World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Abuja by beating Oriol Alvarez of Spain 6-0,6-4 in the final of the male singles on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Junior ITF event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings
The tournament which started on June 2, ended on June 14 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The match between Danjuma and Alvarez was a closely contested one but started off slowly in the first set. In spite the slow pace, Danjuma dominated the set, winning it 6-0.
In the second set, Alvarez put up a fight, but Danjuma maintained his lead, taking a 2-1 advantage.As the set progressed, Alvarez continued to push for more points, taking a 4-5.
Both players showed signs of fatigue, but they managed to keep going and struggled to strike and slam, showcasing their determination. In the end, Danjuma emerged victorious, winning the set 6-4.
In the quarterfinal ,Danjuma had a strong win, defeating Hugo Jathiere 6-1, 6-1. He then dominated Ezekiel Azi , in the semifinals, winning 6-2, 6-1, to secure his spot in the final.
While Alvarez had a thrilling quarterfinal match, coming from behind to beat Oluwatobi Agboola 3-6, 6-0, 7-6(8). In the semifinals, edged out Joseph Jimoh in a closely contested match, winning 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(1), to advance to the final.
Speaking after the final game,Danjuma announced that this win would be my last in the junior category, as i prepares to transition to the senior level.
“ I am satisfied about the outcome of my performance in both the doubles and singles events. I won the doubles title in both first and second legs with my partner, Alvarez.
“ I dedicated this victories to my late parents, expressing emotional connection to the wins.
“ Hopefully to attract more sponsors to support my future endeavors in the sport,” he said.
On his part, Alvarez said had a challenging experience in the tournament. On Friday, was not feeling unwell after a tough match, but still managed to win the doubles category with Danjuma as his partner.
However, the fatigue from the previous match affected his performance in the singles match against Danjuma.
“ My speed and focus were compromised, but I appreciated the experienced gained from participating in both legs of the tournament.
“ I congratulated Danjuma as a very good player and hope he moves forward in his career.
“ Am grateful to have my father and grandfather here with me, their support means everything.
“ My next focused is on intense practice sessions to prepare for the upcoming national championship in Spain,” he said.
In the same venue, the females category saw, Success Ogunjobi beat Luczak Luise of Germany 6-3,7-5 to clinch the title.
The match was a thrilling encounter, with both players displaying impressive skills. Ogunjobi showcased her talent and determination, cementing her position as a rising star in Nigerian tennis.
NAN reports that on Friday , the pair of Alvarez and Danjuma beat the pairs of Joseph Jimoh and Manan Rai of Indian , 6-2,7-6(5) to claimed the title in male doubles category.
While the duo of Goodness Aina and Success Ogunjobi beat the pair of Toluwalashe Agunbiade and Etoro Bassey 6-2,6-3 to claimed the title in female doubles category.
NAN reports that Plaques were awarded to the winners and runner-up positions.
NAN reports that the ITF event, which started on June 2 ended today (June 14 ) at the Tennis Centre of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Nigeria (host),Ghana, Germany, South Africa,Egypt,India,Korea,China,Spain,France and Thailand participated in the championship.(NAN)