By Levy Masiteng
The North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom is set to host the inaugural Renault Clay Courts Challenge series from 9 May to 10 August.
This tournament will feature day and night matches across various age groups, including Under 12, 14, 16 and Open competitions.
According to NWU, this will provide a unique opportunity for SA’s top tennis players to compete on clay courts for the first time on home soil.
“While SA players have always had opportunities to compete on hard courts, this series offers the chance for the country’s top players to participate on Italian red clay courts”.
The Renault Clay Courts Challenge is a joint venture between NWU, Tennis South Africa and Renault South Africa.
Partners mentioned that it would showcase the country’s top tennis talent, with the top eight players in each age group competing in singles and doubles matches.
TSA general manager Anthony Moruthane emphasised the importance of this partnership in growing the sport and providing local players with competitive opportunities.
“We are excited to partner with Renault and the North-West University to bring the first-ever clay courts tournaments to South Africa,” he said.
“These tournaments not only mark a historic moment for tennis in our country but also underscore our shared commitment to growing the sport and providing local players with competitive opportunities on varying surfaces.”
Moruthane thanked Renault South Africa for its continued backing and support of local tennis, which has been instrumental in driving the sport since the launch of the partnership earlier this year.
Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor for information technology, expressed pride in hosting the tournament, highlighting NWU’s commitment to tennis.
“The North-West University takes tennis as a sport very seriously, thus our support and cooperation in this regard,” he said.
The Renault Clay Courts Challenge will take place on the following dates:
May 9-11 (U-16 & Open)
June 20-22 (U-12 & U-14)
August 1-3 (U-12 & U-14)
August 8-10 (U-16 & Open)
“The inclusion of both day and night matches will also add an exciting dynamic to the competition. We invite players and fans alike to join us for this inaugural tournament,” Moruthane said.
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