Azzouz Tasks African Players

The father and coach of Egyptian teenager tennis player, Ibrahim Azzouz has tasked Nigerian players and other African tennis stars to be mentally tough on the court, saying the continent has potential to rule the world in the game.

After seeing his daughter, Nour, crash out of the women’s singles event of the ongoing Governor’s Cup, Azzouz told P.M.Sports at the Lagos Tennis Club, Onikan, that the players should not allow the non-conducive environment they found themselves affect their performance.

“African players have the potential to rule this game across the world. They only need to be mentally tough on the court. I know the environment is not conducive for them compared to what is obtainable in Europe and America. They should not be discouraged,” he said.

He charged African countries’ tennis federations to support their players, saying they can only be mentally tough if their needs are met, especially in the areas of technical know how and finance.

He emphasised that corporate organisations need to support the game as part of their corporate social responsibility.

“Many of African players depend on their family’s support to carry on in this game. They need sponsors for them to have good coaches,” he said.

Commenting on the organization of the tourney, Azzouz said the Local Organizing Committee, LOC, has done a great job in providing good facilities for the players competing for honour in the championship. He added that he would remember the tourney for the warm reception his daughter received from fans during and after her games.

—Olusegun Abidoye