From the humble beginnings of obtaining her first provincial and national colours to the hardcore playing courts of the USA is where Ntokozo Zungu from the South will further her career in tennis.
The 19-year-old will be leaving for Cowley College in the USA on August 11 to take up a full scholarship to study and play tennis in Arkansas.
She is ranked number six in South Africa by Tennis South Africa in the women’s singles division and has a ranked number of 1 221 in the Women’s World Tour Ranking, of which her highest ranking was 1 080.
As many South African tennis players take to the USA to enhance their tennis skills, Zungu has long been waiting for this opportunity.
“We are happy about this opportunity that we have been waiting so long for,” said her father, Sylvester ‘Coach’ Zungu.
“This is the ideal time for her to go as she will gain a wonderful experience.”
Her father coached her for many years.
“She will have to work hard, but this is what she has been doing for so many years. We are looking forward to seeing how she progresses in the USA.”
She started playing tennis at the age of five and obtained her first provincial and national colours while at Naturena Primary School.
Zungu represented South Africa in Malaysia in 2013 and in Italy in 2014.
She continued playing tennis while at Mondeor High School, where she was the captain of the girls’ tennis team for three years. She was awarded Sportswomen of the Year in 2019 at Mondeor High.
While in high school, she represented South Africa in Tunisia, Morocco, Japan and Botswana. In Botswana, she won three gold medals in the Region 5 Gaborone Youth Games in 2018. She also received her first WTA points in 2019.
