Madueke Is 2022 CBN Tennis Open Champion

Madueke Is 2022 CBN Tennis Open Champion

.... Defeat Defending Champion, Henry Atseye

By Our Reporter

Nonso Madueke in Saturday fought a battle of his life to subdue Henry Atseye for the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Open Tennis title at the Centre Court of the Package B, Tennis Complex of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Defending champion, Atseye with his powerful serve that is his biggest asset, fired two aces that earned him the first set at 6-2, but were not enough to stop hard fighting Madueke that pulled thigh muscle in the first set that required medical break to attend to the injury. The latter who applies iced block provided by the medical personnel on his troubling thigh at every break, struggled with the pains to hit back in the second set he clinched 7-6.

Just a few minutes into the rubber, the defending champion fell as a result of twisted left ankle after he had conceded two points in the tie breaker to decide the champion, and could not stand even after the medical break, and was helped out of the Centre court.

Fourth seeded Madueke said afterwards that the victory has exposed him as the target of all players.

“I cannot explain the sudden thigh muscle that almost pulled me out of the final, but with the help of the iced block provided by the medical team, I was able to continue and eventually took the CBN Open title.

“I need to work hard to remain at the Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF top spot. The regular tournaments we are being exposed to is really helping us. Just last week, we participated in a national Open tournament here in Abuja, and the in the previous week, we were in Benin City, Edo State for an Open tournament. Actually, this regular tournament is helping us to shape up”, Nonso Madueke said.

The Women’s Singles was won by Marylove Edward after defeating Aanu Ayegbusi in two straight sets 6/3, 6/4.

In the men’s doubles, the combination of Wilson Igbinovia and Oche Adahi humbled the pair of Abanun Matthew and Chima Michael 6/4, 6/3.