Youri turns professional
Local tennis sensation, Ekua Refilwe Youri is expected to turn professional in the next month. Youri recently won the Circuit Absolut FCT tournament in Spain, her second successive tournament victory in Spain, after winning the ITF Under 18 tournament last year.
As a results, Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) President, Oaitse Thipe says the player has come of age.
With her development possibly reaching the ceiling, Thipe believes that this is the right time for the rising star to turn professional. “She is playing her first Pro Tournament in Greece next month.”
She will take part in the Ancient Messene Open 2022 and the local upcoming superstar is expected to start the tournament in style given her growing skill in the tennis court.
Many talented athletes like her start making money from the sport at a young age, and Youri is now expected to play the more rewarding tournament with a price of $3000 set to be given to the winner.
“There are some tournaments that have prize money but most junior tournaments focus on development even college Tennis in America,”
Thipe said.
Nonetheless, Thipe said Youri has plenty of time now to focus on establishing her tennis career since she finished her studies. “She finished school last year, she has been doing A levels and a number of top Universities in America have already offered her full scholarships.”
Although the association has a vision going far and wide for athletes such as Youri, they are not intending to rush her into anything that will possibly dampen her confidence in the game.