A host of world tennis stars are in Kigali looking to vie for honors at the highly-anticipated ATP Challenger 50 Tour slated for February 26 through March 10. Kigali is hosting the international tennis for the first time, making Rwanda only the second country to host a tennis competition of such caliber. According to ATP Challenger Tour director Eric Lamquet, ATP chose Rwanda to host the competition reference to not only the country’s reputation in stability and security and establishing itself as a sports hub but to also as part of the body’s initiative to bring the sport closer to the tennis community. It feels finally we have more opportunities in Africa we managed to attract people. Coming to a country like Rwanda which has been the priority of the ATP, we are excited about it, Lamquet told Times Sport. ALSO READ: Rwanda ready for ATP Challenger 50 Tour-says Tennis Federation boss We chose Rwanda because it is a catalyst for change, a beacon of peace, stability and security as well. 2024 is a pivotal year for Rwanda. On his part, Theoneste Karenzi, president of the Rwanda Tennis Federation, also stressed that the event offers Rwandan players a platform to showcase their talent. Well, it is a very good opportunity, we have been hosting events so it is a big opportunity to have such a special event,” Karenzi said. “Now the door is open, it is a big opportunity to bring the game close to Rwandan players and at the same time a big inspiration for the youth to be professionals as well. After releasing the main draw on Saturday, February 24, action begins on Monday, with a host of exciting games se to take place at IPRC-Kigali Ecology Tennis courts. Rwanda is among that will be represented in the tournament where Ernest Habiyambere the only local player to have featured in the main draw. The ATP Challenger Tour is the second-highest stage of men’s professional tennis in the world. Among the celebrated stars who are products of ATP Challenger Tour includes current World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz (Spain), former World No.1s Roger Federer (Switzerland), Rafael Nadal (Spain), Andy Roddick (US) and former US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) among others.
