Rwanda’s number one Dieudonne Habiyambere is planning to win the Uganda Tennis Open following a lengthy spell of unsatisfactory performances at the Lugogo tennis courts in Kampala.
The ace is expecting to top and walk away with the honours in this year’s edition since reaching the final in 2013 when he lost to compatriot Jean Claude Gasigwa (deceased).
Habiyambere has also reached the semi-finals in 2011 and quarter-finals in 2012 and he believes this term is his for the taking.
“My only target is the title and I am positive I can make it because I’m very familiar with the tournament having been there several times,” the 31-year-old told Times Sport.
“The good thing is that we’re going as a team, and I hope we can do so well in both categories (men and women), we have a good record in Uganda.”
The showpiece commenced on Monday and Jonathan Ssebanja opened with victory over Fred Masaba 6-1, 4-0 (rtd). Geoffrey Kirumira defeated Solomon Malinga 6-0, 6-2 while, Denis Ssekitto overcame Daniel Curtale 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.
Progress was halted to mark the end of day one after several games were washed out. The five-day tournament has attracted a total of over 80 players from six countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, DR Congo, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and hosts Uganda.
