Van Schalkwyk, Swartz lead the charge in second NTA tourney

Namibia Tennis Association’s (NTA) second tournament of the year, held at Olympia’s Central Tennis Courts last weekend, saw Mari van Schalkwyk - winner of the season’s first NTA tournament - secure back-to-back women’s singles titles, while Kendall Swartz made a triumphant season debut by claiming the men’s singles title.Top seed Van Schalkwyk clinched the women’s title after defeating second seed Joanivia Bezuidenhout 7-5, 6-4 in the final.Reflecting on her victory, Van Schalkwyk admitted she had not expected it. “I feel very impressed with myself to have won my second senior title in a row, especially considering that I was sick the week leading up to the tournament,” she said.Bezuidenhout, who also finished runner-up in the first senior tournament, took the defeat in stride, acknowledging the highs and lows of competition. “It’s a little bit sad that I lost, but it’s part of the game. I’ll take the lessons from this match [and keep working],” she said.She added that she gave her best effort in the final, incorporating more variety - slices, drop shots and volleys - as she had been practising. “I’m really proud of the way I played. Despite not pushing her to a third set like I did last time, I plan on making it even tougher for her next time. [All in all, Van Schalkwyk] played well, and congratulations to her,” she remarked.Swartz battles back to claim men’s titleTop seed Swartz, who missed the first tournament due to injury, secured the men’s singles title with a hard-fought 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Dickson Phiri.Surprised by his own endurance, Swartz admitted he was not certain he could last the full three sets. “I wasn’t sure if my fitness would hold up. Dickson is incredibly fit, but I managed to outlast him and ultimately get this title under my belt,” he said.Acknowledging his slow start to the year, Swartz thanked his team for their support in helping him regain form.Phiri, who had defeated Swartz in their last meeting at the NTA Masters Championship final in October - when the latter was forced to retire in the third set due to a recurring back injury - admitted his opponent was in peak condition this time around.“I thought I could wear him down again and take the win in the third set, but his fitness levels were up today. He played really well and won some key points from me. Despite my best efforts to make him run, he wasn’t giving up easily. It didn’t go my way in the end,” he remarked.Doubles winnersIn the women’s doubles event, top seeds Bezuidenhout and Van Schalkwyk secured the title with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over second seeds Larushka Kruger and Emma Zalto.The men’s doubles final was decided by walkover, with third-seeded Nguvi Hinda and Johan Theron taking the win after top seeds Phiri and Ruben Yssel were forced to withdraw due to injuries.- mariud@nsh.com.na

Van Schalkwyk, Swartz lead the charge in second NTA tourney

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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Van Schalkwyk, Swartz lead the charge in second NTA tourney

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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