"I have confidence that I will make it, as I have experience in this tourney. I won it last year and nothing can stop me from defending it. I have been training hard, because I do not underestimate my opponents," said Chawafambira.
The Mutare-born player appealed to fans to come out in numbers to support her. "I need my fans to rally behind me in numbers as I am doing this for them and my country. Support is always the key to victory," she said.
The 19-year-old Mantas Tennis Academy product had a strong season last year – winning women's singles titles at the Malawi Open, the Francistown Open in Botswana and the Zambia Open. She also dominated the Harare Open.
She was awarded a six-year tennis scholarship at Eastern Arizona College in the US in January this year.
Recently, Chawafambira won her first title in the US and also helped her College tennis team to their fourth straight title at the (USA) Regional championships, after winning all six singles titles and all three doubles titles.
"I hope to turn professional in the future and my stay in the US is helping me move towards that dream. While there, I hope to play in more ITF Futures tournaments so that I can improve my ranking," she added.
Other players expected to participate in the NMB tourney include Takanyi Garanganga, Liberty Nzula, Malcom Mutungamiri, and Terrence Mazungaire.
Post published in: Sport