02 Jul 2024

Denzel Seetso and Chelsea Chakanyuka successfully defended their men and women singles titles during the Botswana Open Tennis Championships played in Gaborone over the weekend.

Seetso defeated Esi Molefe 6-1, 6-0 in the men’s singles final, while Chakanyuka beat Kelebogile Monnayoo 6-1, 6-1 to win the women’s singles title.

Seetso said in an interview that he was happy he won the title again though he did not put himself under pressure to defend it. 

He said the Botswana Open was competitive, adding that he was also happy that it was part of his preparations for the Tennis World Cup that would be hosted by Botswana from July 17 to 20. 

Seetso, who is based in the US, said before coming to Botswana for the competition, he played some few games in Durban, which he said helped him to prepare for the tournament. 

He said he managed to execute his tactics exactly as he wished which helped him win his games.  

The women’s champion, Chakanyuka said she was happy to have defended her title. 

She said playing against Monnayoo was always difficult given that she was more experienced and knew when to attack. 

Chakanyuka said she came prepared to the championship as she had also competed in the Billie Jean King Cup before the Botswana Open. 

She said the Billie Jean King Cup helped her to gauge her readiness, adding that she was also happy that she managed to execute her tactics well throughout the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Seetso and Mark Nawa won the men’s doubles championship after defeating Molefe and Batsomi Marobela 6-1 6-0 in the final. 

After playing in the singles finals, Chakanyuka and Monnayoo paired in the doubles final and defeated Mbali Qame and Kagello Malumo, 6-2, 6-2. Ends