Second seed Gbolahan Olawale made an impressive start to his boys’ singles campaign in the second week of the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30, defeating compatriot Olawamurewa Egbeyemi 6-0, 6-2 on Monday in Ikeja.
Olawale dominated from the opening serve, winning the first set without dropping a game before maintaining his control to secure victory.
Third seed Elisha Kwange also advanced with a straight-set 6-2, 6-3 victory over Abdulbasit Salami.
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Kwange dictated play with consistent strokes and well-placed shots to secure his place in the next round.
In another all-Nigerian encounter, Ismail Shuaibu defeated Folaranmi Fafiwora 7-6(3), 4-6, 10-8 in a closely contested match.
Shuaibu held his nerve in the deciding tie-break after both players fought hard for victory.
Onyekachi Ogunmjiofor also advanced, defeating Benin Republic’s Elisee Nahum 6-1, 6-3.
India’s Siddharth Soma beat Nigeria’s Samuel Adegbite 6-3, 6-0, while Italian Ivo Sampayo defeated Testimony Godwin 6-4, 6-2.
In the girls’ singles, Anuoluwapo Odebode defeated Oyinkansola Adejumobi 6-1, 6-2, while Glory Ladimeji beat Temiloluwa Abiodun 6-2, 6-2.
Speaking after his victory, Olawale expressed satisfaction with his performance, particularly his concentration and execution.
“I’m really happy with how I played today. I stayed composed and stuck to my plan from start to finish,” he said.
He pledged to maintain his focus and give his best in the remaining matches as he pursues the title.
Kwange described his victory as a confidence booster, saying his hard work had paid off.
“I’m happy with the victory. I worked hard for this match, and I am glad my efforts paid off,” he said.
He pledged to maintain his winning form and give his best in subsequent matches.
Kwange described the competition as a valuable platform for young players to test their abilities against quality opponents and gain experience.
He expressed optimism about his next match and his prospects in the second week of the competition.
The second week of the tournament has continued to produce exciting performances and closely contested matches.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the second leg runs from Monday to Friday at Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.
The competition features boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles events, attracting junior players from different countries competing for International Tennis Federation (ITF) ranking points.
The tournament is organised by the Tiger Tennis Foundation, founded by Paul Moses, to provide young players with opportunities to develop and showcase their talents.
The finals are scheduled for Nov. 14, with champions expected to receive 30 ranking points and trophies.
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