With six days left to the start of the ATP Rwanda Challenger 50 Tour, the biggest tennis event to ever stage in the Sub-Saharan Africa, organizers, the Rwanda Tennis Federation (RTF) say preparation are going according to plan. The two-week tournament will run from February 26 through March 10 at the IPRC-Kigali Ecology Tennis Club. ALSO READ: ATP promises strong competition ahead of Rwanda Challenger 50 Tour According to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the tournament has garnered significant attention, boasting over 80 players eager to showcase their talent. The main draw has 21 players. The qualifying draw will feature 24 best-ranked players directly eligible. The qualifiers will be played on February 25-26. The top six players from the qualifying draw, will secure spots alongside 21 direct entrants, to be joined by three wildcards and two special exemption entries, resulting in a total of 32 Players in the singles category. Times Sport takes a closer look at the top five players to watch in the main draw. Ivan Gakhov Ivan Gakhov, born on November 4, 1996, is a left-handed Russian tennis player with a two-handed backhand. At 27, Gakhov has made a mark in the world of tennis. With a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No.142 achieved on June 19, 2023, Gakhov is currently ranked at 172. His prowess extends to doubles, having reached a career-high ranking of No. 170 on September 17, 2018. Gakhov's accomplishments include clinching one ATP Challenger title in singles at the 2023 Girona Challenger in Spain and another in doubles at the 2018 Fergana Challenger. His professional career record is an impressive testament to his skill, with 779 matches played—410 wins and 302 losses on clay courts, and an even split of 67 wins and 67 losses on hard courts. Notably, he engaged in a riveting match against tennis legend Novak Djokovic during the Monte Carlo 1000 in April 2023, showcasing his competitive spirit and ability to challenge the best in the game. Gakhov will be the top seed at the Rwanda Challenger 50 Tour. Calvin Hemery Calvin Hemery, born on January 28, 1995, is a French tennis player of Nigerian descent, who brings a unique blend of skill and diversity to the court. With a career high ATP singles ranking of 116 achieved on April 30, 2018, and a doubles ranking of 252 on December 24, 2018, Hemery has carved a distinctive path in the tennis world. Hemery currently holds a singles ranking of 220 as of February 12, having been 221 at the time of registration for the Rwanda Challenger. The right-handed player with a two-handed backhand has consistently showcased his skills on the court. His singles career record of 2–9 at ATP Tour level, Grand Slam level, and in Davis Cup competitions reflects the challenges and competitive nature of professional tennis. Hemery is set to be the second seed at the Rwanda Challenger, bringing his formidable skills to the courts. His participation adds a layer of excitement to the tournament, as fans anticipate his style of play. Beyond the rankings and statistics, Hemery's story is a testament to the global nature of tennis, transcending borders and embracing diversity. As a French player of Nigerian heritage, he symbolizes the rich variety of backgrounds that contribute to the vibrant world of professional tennis. Clement Tabur The 24-year-old Franchman has rapidly made his mark in the tennis world. With a right-handed playing style and a formidable two-handed backhand, Tabur’s strength lies in precision and versatility on the court. He holds a current ATP singles ranking of No. 227, with a career-high ranking of No. 226 achieved on February 5. Despite being in the early stages of his professional career, Tabur exhibits immense promise. While his ATP Tour, Grand Slam, and Davis Cup records stand at 0-0, Tabur boasts a commendable track record in ITF tournaments with eight career titles, showcasing his dominance in the developmental circuit. His Grand Slam journey includes qualification attempts at the Australian Open in 2024 and the French Open in 2022, reflecting his ambition to compete at the highest level. Tabur's upcoming appearance at the Rwanda Challenger positions him as the third seed, highlighting the recognition of his talent in the tournament. As he aims to leave a mark in Kigali, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing his skills on the court, expecting a stellar performance from this rising French star. Marco Trungelliti Hailing from Argentina, Marco Trungelliti stands as a seasoned tennis veteran at 34 years old, bringing a wealth of experience to the court. As of the latest update, Trungelliti holds a current ATP singles ranking of 229, showcasing his enduring commitment to the sport. He achieved his career-high ranking of 112 on March 4, 2019, underlining a period of notable accomplishment. The Argentine's Grand Slam journey was shaped by failed attempts at featuring in the main competition properly, with notable highlights including reaching the second qualifying round at the Australian Open in 2016 and achieving the same feat at the French Open in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In 2021, Trungelliti continued to make his mark on the international stage, advancing to the second (qualifying) round at both Wimbledon and the US Open, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level of the sport. As the fourth seed at the upcoming Rwanda Challenger 50, the tennis star is poised to bring his wealth of experience and skill to Kigali, competing against a talented field of players. Trungelliti's presence adds a touch of seasoned expertise to the Rwanda Challenger, promising captivating matches and a showcase of his passion for the sport. Nicholas David Lonel Nicholas David Lonel, born on October 12, 2002, is a promising Romanian professional tennis player who has rapidly climbed the ranks. At just 21 years of age, Lonel has proved his talent and determination, earning a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 184 on June 12, 2023. Currently positioned at No. 267 in the ATP singles rankings, Lonel continues to make strides in his career, demonstrating a commitment to excellence on the court. Among his notable achievements include being the No. 1 Romanian player, symbolizing his dominance in his home country's tennis landscape. This status adds to the anticipation surrounding his performances, both nationally and internationally. Seeded fifth at the Rwanda Challenger, Lonel is expected to bring his dynamic style of play to the courts in Kigali. As a young and ambitious player, he is undoubtedly one to watch, and his presence in the tournament promises exciting matches.
