NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has congratulated Kenyan tennis star Angella Okutoyi after her hard-fought victory at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s World Tour in Nairobi, describing the triumph as a proud moment for the country and an inspiration to young athletes.
In a statement, President Ruto praised Okutoyi’s determination and resilience, noting that she overcame stiff international competition to emerge champion.
“Congratulations Angella Okutoyi for the outstanding performance and well-earned victory at the International Tennis Federation Women’s World Tour. Your determination and talent carried you through tough competition to become the champion,” the President said. “You have flown Kenya’s flag high and inspired young athletes. We are proud of you. Well done.”
Congratulations Angella Okutoyi for the outstanding performance and well-earned victory at the International Tennis Federation Women’s World Tour.Your determination and talent carried you through tough competition to become the champion. You have flown Kenya’s flag high and
Okutoyi sealed the title at Parklands Sports Club after edging Italy’s Martina Colmegna in a gripping three-set final, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The African Games gold medallist started strongly, taking the opening set before Colmegna mounted a spirited comeback in the second to force a decider.
In the final set, Okutoyi drew energy from the home crowd, showcasing grit, composure and fighting spirit to close out the match and cap an impressive week of competition.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) president Shadrack Maluki also lauded Okutoyi’s performance, praising her resilience and unwavering focus on court.
The latest triumph further cements Okutoyi’s status as one of Kenya’s most accomplished tennis players and a trailblazer for the sport locally and across the continent.
She rose to prominence in 2022, when she made history as the first Kenyan to win a junior Grand Slam title, clinching the girls’ doubles crown at Wimbledon.
That breakthrough marked a turning point for Kenyan tennis on the global stage.
Since transitioning to the professional ranks, Okutoyi has continued to post strong results on the ITF Women’s World Tour, while also asserting her dominance at continental level as an African Games champion.
Known for her strong baseline play, mental toughness and competitive edge, Okutoyi is widely regarded as a role model for young athletes, symbolising the growing potential of tennis in Kenya and Africa at large.
