Business Day

Montjane returns at French Open

- Mahlatse Mphahlele

SA wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane will make her return to competitio­n at the French Open after a sevenmonth layoff due to Covid-19.

The wheelchair tennis event gets under way on October 7 in Paris and Montjane who missed ‚ the recent US Open will con‚ tinue her pursuit of her maiden Grand Slam.

After a successful US Open event it was a shred of clear evidence to show that there are safety protocols in place for everyone to be back to competitio­n and that s what enhanced ’ my decision to go to Roland Garros. I m still anxious about ’ Covid-19, so will just need to make sure that I stay safe ‚” said Montjane.

Having missed the US Open in New York the world No 7 last ‚ played in a competitiv­e match in January when she reached the Australian Open semifinals. The French Open which ‚ normally takes place in May ‚ was postponed by organisers due to the outbreak of the coronaviru­s pandemic.

It s been awhile since I have “’ played a competitiv­e match and I m just longing to get back to the competitio­n to test where my mind is in terms of competing ‚” she said, admitting that the transition from hard court to clay is going to be challengin­g.

It will be challengin­g but I ‚ am determined to go out there and challenge myself. I miss competing so I think I have pre‚ pared enough.”

Montjane will join fellow South Africans Lloyd Harris ‚ Kevin Anderson and Raven Klaasen in the tournament.

 ??  ?? Kgothatso Montjane
Kgothatso Montjane

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