Nigeria’s number one, Sylvester Emmanuel, on Monday defeated 16-year-old Andu Mukhtar 6-2 6-3 at the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Open Tennis Tournament.
It was an obviously tough draw for Mukhtar, who is making a debut at the event as he struggled to earn points against the defending champion.
However, it was not a walk in the park for Emmanuel as he laboured to stay top of the game to qualify for the round of 32 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Mukhtar’s undoing was his many unforced errors, even though he managed to break Emmanuel many times, sending the crowd in jubilation as he picked points.
After the game, a very exhausted Mukhtar, who gained a wild card to the competition, said he has a lot to learn in the sport.
“I think I played well. My opponent obviously played better and I have a lot to learn from him.
“I train in London but I have been in Nigeria for the past few months and just started training here last month.
“There’s so much I have to learn around here. I am just getting used to the heat and it affected my play today a little,’’ Mukhtar said.
On his part, Emmanuel said he had a great game.
“The match was a good one. It was a very good first match after so many months out due to COVID-19 and it was tough as well.
”But I am happy for the win and am looking forward to the next match’’.
About his opponent, Emmanuel added: “He is a young upcoming player and is doing so well. I believe that in future he will be better and make the country proud’’.
The tournament has N700,000 up for grabs for the winner of the men’s and women’s singles title each.
The event is expected to end on Saturday.
