Davnotch National Open: Danjuma Battles Into Round Of 16 After Gritty Victory
Lucky Danjuma has secured his place in the Round of 16 at the Davnotch National Open Tennis Championship after grinding out a tough win against Mathew Abamu in Abuja on Monday.
Playing at the National Tennis Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Danjuma came from behind to clinch a 6-7(8), 6-2, 4-0 (retired) win after Abamu was forced to pull out in the third set.
Despite a shaky start and a first-set loss in a close tiebreak, Danjuma rallied strongly in the second and had taken full control before the match was cut short.
“This is my second time playing here. I lost in the Round of 32 in my first outing, so I’m pleased to be making progress,” Danjuma said after the match.
He also revealed that inconsistent officiating disrupted his focus early on. “I had to regroup mentally, and that made the difference in the second set.”
Danjuma will next face Musa Mohammed, who also advanced after his opponent, Endurance Ehigiamusoe, retired while trailing 5-1.
Abamu, meanwhile, admitted he needs to work on his stamina. “Once I improve my endurance, I’ll be in a better position to compete at this level,” he noted.
In other results, Mubarak Ganiyu defeated Michael Osewa 6-4, 5-7, 1-0 (retired), and Abua Canice cruised past Stephen James 6-2, 6-1.
The women’s singles also delivered strong performances as Blessing Omotayo, Loveth Ogah, Timipre Maxwell, Etoro Bassey, and Success Ogunjobi all booked spots in the Round of 16.
Over 200 players are competing in this year’s Davnotch National Open, which features singles and doubles for both men and women. The championship runs until 19 July.
Danjuma, fresh off a runner-up finish at the VEMP National Open last week, is hoping to go one step further this time and he’s not just stopping at singles.
He will also be competing in the doubles event, which serves off tomorrow.
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