Kenyan Tennis star Angela Okutoyi has been knocked out of the African Junior Championship in Tunisia.
Okutoyi, who was the defending champion, was unable to go past the semi finals after losing to South Africa's Leigh Van Zyl by straight sets (3-6, (5)6-7).
The semi final match between Okutoyi and Leigh was delayed due to heavy downpours in Sousse, Tunisia.
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The tennis sensation reached the semis after defeating Benin’s Gloriana Goreti Nahum in the quarters on Wednesday, March 30.
In November last year, Okutoyi became the first Kenyan to lift the African Junior Championship after seeing off Moroccan Aya El Anouni in the singles final of the 2021 Africa Junior Under-18 Championships in Sousse, Tunisia.
The 18-year-old was hoping to repeat the same feat in this year's championship.
Other Kenyan representatives at the competition Cynthia Wanjala and Alicia Owegi, were eliminated from contention for the title in both the singles and the doubles.
Okutoyi's coach Thuku Rogoi before the final noted that the young tennis player was using the championship as preparation for the upcoming French open in May.
"I'm happy with the progress we have made so far in this tournament. Let us hope we can make the final and build confidence in her as we prepare for the Grand Slam,” Rogoi noted.
The coach added that he was keen to improve her all-around game and ensure Okutoyi is in her peak condition by the time the French Open commences.