KIGALI/STARNBERG, March 2, 2024
In a significant step highlighting Rwanda’s growing presence on the global sports scene, Kigali is hosting its inaugural ATP Challenger Tour events. Taking place from February 24 to March 10, all eyes will be on the clay courts of the Kicukiro Ecology Tennis Club as top men’s tennis players gather for this historic competition. This milestone not only reaffirms Rwanda’s dedication to promoting sports tourism but also offers a special opportunity for local tennis enthusiasts to witness firsthand world-class competition.
Arzel Mevellec, tournament director of the Open de Quimper in France, and his team Beatrice Rolland and Luka Arhan have been chosen by the ATP to organize this two-week Challenger 50 swing in Kigali.
“It shows that in Quimper there is know-how and they must thought we’re crazy to go to Rwanda, in the middle of Africa, and set up a professional tournament,” explained Mevellec ahead of the start of the tournament. “It’s a recognition from global institutions. They know that we started as a tennis club in Quimper and now have reached the top (of the Challenger series).”
Kigali capital of Rwanda
Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda with about 1.7 million inhabitants, is considered as a vibrant and rapidly evolving metropolis nestled in the heart of the African continent. Situated in the central part of Rwanda, Kigali is not only the country’s political and economic center but also a cultural hub bursting with energy and diversity.
Despite its tragic history marked by the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Kigali has emerged as a symbol of resilience and progress. Today, the city stands as a testament to Rwanda’s remarkable transformation, with its modern infrastructure and welcoming atmosphere.
One of the defining features of Kigali is its stunning natural surroundings. The city is nestled among lush hills and verdant landscapes, offering breathtaking views at every turn. From here visitors can explore the Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to a diverse array of wildlife and stunning hiking trails, or embark on a scenic drive to the shores of Lake Kivu.
Video🔴Players, Yannick Noah, Jean Claude Talon, and officials of #RwandaChallenger pay respects at @Kigali_Memorial. Honoring the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, we Remember Unite Renew. #RwandaChallenger pic.twitter.com/BocA06BToG
— FEDERATION RWANDAISE DE TENNIS 🇷🇼 🎾 (@tennis_rwanda) March 1, 2024
Challenger Circuit returns to sub-Saharan Africa
The tournament presents a significant opportunity for Rwanda, yet it also brings along its own array of challenges. Even though Kigali already hosted an ITF World Tennis Tour M25 tournament in 2023, won by Frenchman Corentin Denolly, the Challenger is breaking new grounds. There are only a few professional tournaments to take place in Africa. The two biggest are the Grand Prix Hassan II ATP 250 event in Marrakech, Morocco and the WTA 250 tournament in Monastir, Tunisia. However, the Rwanda Challenger has been the first event of this category organized in sub-Saharan Africa – excluding South Africa – since Nairobi, Kenya in 1990.
“Arzel contacted me asking if the ATP is interested in Challenger Tour events in Rwanda. The ATP immediately jumped on the opportunity and here we are,” said Eric Lamquet, Director of the ATP Challenger Tour. “It is a pivotal year for Rwanda for very sad reasons with the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide. But Rwanda is a beacon for peace and stability as well as a connector of other African nation. It is also an economic engine.
“Players can expect a very good treatment, a very warm Rwandan welcome and excellent quality of services. The fans can enjoy some world class tennis in Kigali for two weeks.”
Habiyambere makes history for Rwandan tennis
Meanwhile, Ernest Habiyambere has become the first tennis player from Rwanda to compete in an ATP Challenger Tour main draw event. The unranked 24-year-old lost in the first round on Monday to World No. 236 Daniel Cukierman of Israel 6-1, 7-6(7) after a tough fight, which lasted one hour and 53 minutes.
Exciting start to the ATP Rwanda Challenger as Hon. Minister of Sports witnesses our very own Habiyambere Ernest in action, who fought hard in his debut match!! 🇷🇼🎾💪🏿#ATPRwandaChallenger#TennisPros pic.twitter.com/AXVnfNb6Bm
— Ministry of Sports|Rwanda (@Rwanda_Sports) February 26, 2024
“These things happen in sports and, (for me), to even be able to push this guy as far as I did, is itself a big achievement,” Habiyambere said afterwards, quoted by Rwandan newspaper The New Times. “These are professional players and, honestly, I don’t feel like I have lost. I am happy with my performance, it’s a good experience to play at this level.”
Perhaps there will be another opportunity in the coming week. The tour will definitely remain in Kigali for several more days.
