Nigeria’s number one player, David Ekpenyong, is over the moon after securing his first-ever J100 title in Accra, Ghana. The 17-year-old tennis prodigy attributed his remarkable comeback victory to his never-say-die attitude. Ekpenyong rallied from a set down to defeat Serbia’s Nikola Jovic with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Reflecting on his triumph, Ekpenyong expressed his elation, saying, ‘First of all, I want to congratulate myself for winning my first J100. It’s even more special to win it in Ghana, my home continent of Africa. I had previously traveled to Canada to compete in a J100 tournament, where I reached the final but fell short of victory. So, I’m extremely impressed with myself and proud of my team, including my coaches and the Aurum Tennis Academy.’
The young Nigerian player’s journey to the title was not without its challenges. Ekpenyong revealed, ‘I felt disappointed after losing in the finals of the J100 tournament in the first week. I had won the J60 tournament earlier, and I thought it would give me an advantage, but I suffered a heavy defeat in that match.’
Despite the setback, Ekpenyong remained resilient and mentally prepared for his next opportunity. He said, ‘Even after losing the first set 6-2, I never lost faith in my ability to fight back. I stayed positive and focused on the task at hand. My never-say-die attitude paid off as I won the second set 6-4 and eventually clinched the final set 6-4. It was a tough battle, but I’m thrilled and motivated to compete in more tournaments. I kept telling myself that I could do it, and I proved myself right.’
Following his victory in Ghana, Ekpenyong’s junior rankings skyrocketed, propelling him 41 places higher. He now holds the impressive world ranking of 216.
Looking ahead, the Nigerian champion revealed his plans to further his tennis development by relocating to the United States. He aims to participate in more tournaments and continue honing his skills.
In conclusion, David Ekpenyong’s remarkable triumph in Accra showcases his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. The young tennis sensation’s never-say-die attitude propelled him to victory, securing his first J100 title. As he embarks on his journey to the United States, Ekpenyong’s future in the world of tennis looks incredibly promising.