Gqeberha, South Africa, 11 April 2021 – Giving participants a chance to prepare for the BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis tournament, a large group of children were the focal point of a development clinic organised by Tennis South Africa in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape earlier this week.
Over 60 children from nine schools in the area were taught skills which will not only help them compete in the Rising Star Tennis series but will help lay the foundation for their potential long-term careers both on and off the court.
As part of the activation, the children were given the opportunity to learn from some of SA’s top players.
Former world No 5 Kevin Anderson said he was delighted to be involved once again as an ambassador for the second edition of the BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis programme.
“We had a very successful first year and we’re really looking forward to year two,” Anderson, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, said from his base in Florida.
“Hopefully, it will be even better this year with primary schools and high schools taking part, along with a wheelchair tennis category.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these kids in action during the BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis tournament.”
Also addressing the participants on a virtual platform from his base in the United States, teen prospect Kholo Montsi urged the participants to make full use of the Rising Star Tennis series, as well as development clinics in the build-up to the event which starts with district competitions across the country this month.
“You have an amazing opportunity to compete in such a big event against other schools, and I hope it gives you the motivation to play more tennis,” Montsi, who hails from the Eastern Cape, told the participants.
“You’re very blessed to have this chance at such a young age and you need to take this opportunity with both hands.
“Work hard for it and the most important thing is to go out there and enjoy it.”
