The 3rd edition of the WhithRay Junior Open tennis tournament kicked off on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the National Tennis Centre in Accra. The four-day event, which runs until March 9, brings together young tennis enthusiasts from across the country to compete in various age categories.
In an exclusive interview with Obu Sports, Orimoloye Abiodun, CEO of ATL Transport and Logistics, highlighted the significance of the tournament. “It’s a platform for young players to showcase their talents, identify areas for improvement, and develop their skills.”
This year’s tournament marks a significant departure from previous editions, as it is being played on the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) system. The UTR system provides a standardized and objective measure of player skill, allowing for more accurate matchmaking and competition.
Abiodun emphasized the benefits of the UTR system, stating, “It’s like an international tournament, where players earn points that can be useful for college scholarships or future tournaments.”
Despite the tournament’s growth in popularity, the number of participants has decreased compared to previous editions. Abiodun attributed this decline to indiscipline and age cheating among some players. “African tennis lacks discipline, and some coaches don’t register their players on time. We’ve also had issues with age cheating, which isn’t helpful to the players.”
The WhithRay Junior Open aims to promote tennis development among young players, while also instilling values of discipline and fair play. As the tournament progresses, organizers are optimistic that it will continue to provide a platform for young players to shine and develop their skills.
