SOUSSE, April 2, 2022 (Tennis SA Press Release)
South African tennis prodigies Devin Badenhorst and Heike van Vuuren both proved dominant as they won the boys’ and girls’ singles titles, respectively, at the 18 & under ITF/CAT African Junior Championships that concluded on Friday in Tunisia.
The 17-year-old Van Vuuren, who trains at the Riaan Venter Tennis Academy in Potchefstroom, defeated compatriot Leigh van Zyl with a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory to claim the girls’ title.
“It’s an amazing feeling. It feels great to know that hard work pays off. The most important thing that contributed to this result is confidence and support, without confidence and the support of my team, I wouldn’t have won this title,” said Van Vuuren.
“Being crowned the African campion is an amazing feeling that is indescribable.
“Thank you to everyone at home who has supported me and continue to do so.”
In the under-18 boys’ section, third seed Badenhorst of JL’s Tennis Academy, brought down the house when he beat top seed Connor van Schalkwyk from Namibia in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 to lift the African boys’ singles trophy.
“I was close to making the top 100 early last year but I couldn’t do it because of an injury. However, I knew that if I won the singles and doubles titles here in Tunisia, I would break into the top 100,” commented 17-year-old Badenhorst.
Badenhorst enjoyed a double delight at the prestigious African junior tournament as he also bagged the doubles title with Anro Nel.
The South African duo beat Moroccan pair of Yazid Lahjomri and Mohammed Nabihi 6-3 6-2 in the boys’ doubles final to claim the doubles trophy.
“Winning the doubles was also a big thing for me, I didn’t want to let my partner down and I knew I needed the win to confirm my spot in the top 100. The singles win meant everything to me, but the doubles also meant a lot,” added Badenhorst.
Badenhorst & Nel crowned African junior doubles champions! 🏆
Following his victory in the singles event, Devin Badenhorst teamed up with Anro Nel in the boys doubles final to beat Moroccan pair Yazid Lahjomri & Mohammed Nabihi 6-3 6-2 to claim the doubles title
Congrats, boys! pic.twitter.com/6DgAdDemAG
— Tennis South Africa (@TennisSA) April 1, 2022
