Jigerian tennis player, Joseph Jimoh, secured a quarter-final spot in the men’s singles event on Wednesday at the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 in Abuja.
Jimoh earned his place after a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over Mevi Irimiya in the round of 16.
In his previous match, Jimoh defeated Michael Prosper 6-0, 6-0 in the round of 32. Irimiya, meanwhile, overcame Mohammed Elsheikh 6-2, 7-6(5) to reach the round of 16.
Jimoh controlled the match, taking an early lead and winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1, to secure his place in the quarter-finals.
He showcased his skill and determination, particularly in key moments. He will now face India’s Vyom Shah, who defeated France’s Raphaël Métrailler 6-1, 6-3.
The 17-year-old Nigerian told NAN that he is only competing in singles this week, having won the doubles category multiple times in previous events.
“I am happy to have won, just like in the first week’s event. I want to keep giving my best and finish on top,” he said.
Jimoh added that his training ground, Aurum Tennis Academy, has five players competing in this tournament and another five playing abroad.
“We are really doing great. We hope to make a statement,” he added.
In other men’s singles matches, Sani Inabo beat China’s Haoran Hu 6-4, 6-7(1), 6-2, while Shah overcame Métrailler 6-1, 6-3. Ezekiel Azi defeated Morocco’s Amine Jabrani 7-6(7), 6-3.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) event, which began on 19 February, is set to conclude on March 1 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Tennis Centre in Abuja.
A total of 11 countries are participating, including Nigeria, Egypt, Great Britain, France, the USA, South Africa, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Morocco, India, and China.