Rwanda organized the ATP Challenger Tour for the first time, the second in Sub-Saharan Africa, a two-week international event which was extremely successful, probably beyond expectations. Everything was in place, right from the hotel, the food, hospitality, the courts and players (over 60 from 25 countries) to the umpires, ball boys, the round the clock security, the high level of tennis played, and last but not least the nonstop media coverage. The security acted so professional, tight but convenient. Everyone felt safe, protected, and free to enjoy first class tennis at close range. ALSO READ: Trungelliti beats Tabur to win Rwanda Challenger 2 The organizers deserve a huge round of applause, for, they put together a huge international event that had the eyes of world tennis on Rwanda Challenger, and if anyone had any doubts about Rwanda's ability to grow and be a hub for international sport in terms of hosting, their worries were put to rest. Even President Paul Kagame, who attended the Week 1 tournament final, must have been impressed by what he saw and, in terms of future plans, this can only be what the entire local tennis governing body (RTF) needed. Professional tennis players enjoyed playing in Rwanda, some confided in me about how they had never played under such a well-organized environment, the way they were taken care of off the courts, was amazing, in their own words. Argentine Marco Trungelliti, winner of Week 2 tournament confessed that Rwanda Challenger was probably the best (environment) he has ever played in; he loved the Rwandan coffee too. This is a 34-year old, who has been a pro for 15 years, and ranked 208 before his win in Kigali. American Stefan Kozlov, a native of Miami, Florida, also admitted he would feel at home living in Rwanda. He reached Week 1 semi-finals and quarterfinal in Week 2. The French contingent that included Calvin Hemery, Clement Tabur, Corentin Denolly, and Zimbabwean Benjamin Lock, all alluded to feeling attracted to Rwanda in a way they had never felt in other places they have played. Lock even said, next time, he will come along with his family. The presence of French former tennis professional star and musician Yannick Noah,...Oh, what a shock I received about the man. His easy demeanor, down to earth, social, my interaction with him was my highlight of the two weeks, both at a professional and personal level, the attention and respect that he attached to our interaction was unbelievable. I was the only local journalist he offered an exclusive interview, and he must have liked it, because he told me so hours later at another function. You wish all celebrities, or anyone of his status and influence would live a humble life. The players, and I interacted with about 90 percent of them, all had similar view about a number of things, above it was the food, the weather, the clean and orderly City (Kigali) and, but most importantly, that they will gladly come back for the next Tour, next year. The organizers, Rwanda Tennis Federation, led by president Theoneste Karenzi, pulled off an amazing feat, and thanks to their partners, including the Ministry of Sports, who were the main sponsors etc...trust me the next event, with more resources and expertise, will be even better if the standards set by the first one is anything to go by. At a personal level, I will surely tell my grandchildren that I was indeed part of that larger team that made the inaugural ATP Rwanda Challenger a memorable one. To everyone who played a part, at any level from Karenzi and his entire team at RTF, the ATP team that offered and led the technical side of the event, the local media, the photographers who captured the amazing moments in pictures and did videos behind the scenes, they deserve special mention. Everyone did what an amazing job. The spectators, the catering people, the team that decorated Kigali Ecology Tennis Club, the groundsmen, what a priceless job they did. Like Noah admitted, it is not easy to maintain clay courts, let alone during an international tournament and in a rainy season. Not to forget the ladies who made sure the washrooms were spotlessly clean round the clock, they did a priceless job. In my humble view, the RTF's dedication and professionalism set a new standard for international tennis events in the region and beyond. The players' positive feedback speaks volumes about Rwanda's potential as a preferred destination for future sporting events, and creates momentum for future editions of the tournament and other international sporting events. The Rwanda Challenger leaves behind a legacy of excellence and sets the stage for even greater achievements in the future. The collective efforts of the organizers, government, partners, and stakeholders have showcased Rwanda's potential to host world-class events and inspire future generations of athletes. As someone who was close to the event from start to the end, there were plenty of takeaways from the first Rwanda Challenger but because of space, I can't fit everything all in here. Next week, if my editor allows, we shall look into the into the gulf between the Rwandan players and the players at the ATP level, oh what a huge gap and difference in terms of physical, mental, attire, kit, name it, but of course there is room for everyone to learn, grow, and it just the beginning.
