Angela Okutoyi sets sights on Olympic dreams with crucial tournaments in Tunisia

Africa Games tennis champion Angela Okutoyi is set to compete in two significant tournaments in Tunisia this July, ramping up her pursuit of a spot at the Paris Olympics. 

The Kenyan star, who is also a two-time Kenya Open champion, will participate in the W35 La Marsa from May 27, followed by the W50 La Marsa tournament a week later at the same venue.

She had an unbeaten run that saw her top the podium and seal her maiden ITF World Tennis Tour crown.

Okutoyi, the 2022 Wimbledon junior doubles champion, is eyeing to earn between 30 to 50 points from these tournaments to maintain her hopes for a debut at the global sports spectacle. 

“ There are a lot of points to play for. Tunisia has been a good hunting ground and I hope everything goes well and I get as far as possible,” said Okutoyi as per T

“ I will have to adjust my play and tactics on the hardcourt but I am ready for the challenge as well as acclimatising to the weather in Tunisia,» she noted. 

Rising star Okutoyi and partner Nyangom claimed victory after a hard-fought battle in Tunisia.

Transitioning to a hard court surface in Tunisia, the Nairobi-based athlete acknowledges the need for strategic adjustments

With a current world ranking of 523, Okutoyi must break into the top 400 by June 10 to secure her Olympic qualification.

 This places significant importance on her upcoming performances, as she seeks to climb over 100 spots in the global rankings.

Okutoyi is the only Kenyan in the event after Alicia Owegi was knocked out in the preliminaries after losing 0-2 to Maria Eleni Poulka of Greece.

Meanwhile, fellow Kenyan Cynthia Wanjala has secured a wildcard entry to the W15 tournament this week in Monastir, Tunisia. 

Wanjala views this event as crucial preparation ahead of her participation in the Billie Jean King Cup next month at the Nairobi Club.

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