South Africa’s top wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane returned home to Westdene this week from a two tournament tour in the USA. The 28-year-old competed in the Pensacola and Cajun Classic Open.
Montjane competed in the double’s event with partner Aniek van Koot of the Netherlands after knocking out Marjoelein Buis and Diede de Groot 6–4; 6–1 in the final of the Cajun Classic Open. It is an International Tennis Federation level one event in Baton Rouge. Montjane finished in the women single’s quarter-final round in the same tournament that finished on 20 March, after she went short in the match against world number four, Jordanne Whiley of Britain 3–6; 1–6.
Montjane reached the semi-finals in both single’s and double’s at Pensacola Open. It took place prior to the Cajun Classic. She lost to the third seed Marjolein Buis 6–2; 6–2 in the 13th annual event. Montjane and partner Sabine Ellerbrock of Germany sailed into the semi-final, but were taken out by third seed Marjolein Buis and Diede de Groot both from the Netherlands.
These two tournaments were warm-up tournaments for Montjane in preparation for the two top-flight domestic tournaments starting with the Airports Company South Africa Open which will take place from 30 March to 3 April at Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni. After this tournament Montjane will compete in the Super Series event to be staged at Ellis Park Tennis Stadium from 5 to 9 April.
“Both tournaments were good preparation going into home events starting this month where I hope to perform well and run amok to stop any hopes of foreigners running away with the points,” said Montjane. She added that it was good to play few competitive matches before home tournaments. “I look forward to some great action at home,” concluded Montjane.
Anthony Moruthane, public relations manager of Wheelchair Tennis SA, said that Montjane’s achievements is a clear indicator of how far wheelchair tennis in SA has come. “To represent the country in this sport, Monjane proved that she has got what it takes,” said Moruthane.
Details: Wheelchair Tennis SA, 010 001 0008.
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