The South African men’s and women’s wheelchair tennis teams have secured spots in the 2019 BNP Paribas World Team Cup finals with wins over Kenya in Nairobi. The men’s team comprised the country’s top-ranked player, Evans Maripa, and rising star Alwande Skhosana, with Wimbledon semifinalist Kgothatso Montjane and Mariska Venter in the women’s team.
Both teams advanced with comfortable 2-0 wins on clay against the Kenyans. The teams will be returning to the premier event for the first time since 2015 when it is held at the Larry and Mary Greenspon Israel Tennis Center in Ramat Hasharon, Israel, from May 13 to 18.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team; they staged impressive performances from the start until the end. South Africa is a stronger team in Africa, but the players never underestimate their opponents – they always give their best,” says team manager Patrick Selepe, who travelled with the team.
“It was very impressive seeing debutant Alwande Skhosana playing such good tennis at this level. The BNP Paribas World Team Cup finals will be a much-needed experience for him. We are very excited about the win,” Selepe concluded.