04 Apr 2024

Following an astonishing performance in yesterday’s quarterfinal win, local tennis sensation Mark Nawa will face Namibia’s Israel Dowie in today’s semifinal of World Tennis Tour J30 tournament at Notwane Courts. 

Nawa had to dig dipper in the quarterfinal to beat South Africa’s Rhys Vorwerk 6-1, 7-6 in a closely contested and nailing biting game.

The excited Nawa has revealed in a post-match interview that he was satisfied with his first set feat as he was able to counter attack his opponent’s charges with ease.

Equally pleased with his serving, Nawa managed to brush off his opponent with ease, winning the set with 6-1.  

Despite winning the highly contested second set, Nawa revealed that he worked hard to maintain his momentum and game plan though a bit nervous as he failed to execute his forehands well.

Nawa said it was during the tiebreak that he managed to regain his mental strength though not playing his best game.

Going into the semifinal, Nawa said he was aware on what to do more so that he had managed to watch his opponent (Israel Dowie) play his quarterfinal match.

“I must be strong, loosen up, work on my nerves so that I can be able to come out on top,” he said.

On the other hand, Vorwerk who had started the first set on a low note added that he was nervous, but managed to settle in the second despite losing it by a close margin of 7-6.

“I think I had lost because I made some few slipups. Though I managed I fought back putting Nawa under a lot of pressure, at the end it was not enough,” he said.

Meanwhile in the ladies quarter final Chelsea Chakanyuka lost 6-1, 6-3 to South African Celina Joseph.  Rune Van Wyk of South Africa also lost 6-3, 6-4 against Koronayashe Rugara from the US. ENDs