Botswana’s rising tennis star Malak Macheng has expressed delight after a commanding 6-0, 6-3 win over Phuti Leshoele in her opening match of the ITF U18 Gaborone J60 tournament, held at the National Tennis Centre.
The straight-sets victory marked a significant milestone for Macheng, as it was her first-ever win in the main draw of the ITF World Tennis Tour circuit. Her success comes on the back of a strong 2024 season at the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) tournaments, where she made a name for herself with consistent and impressive performances.
Speaking after the match, Macheng couldn’t hide her joy. “I’m very happy with how I played today, especially because Phuti has given me a really hard time in our previous matches at the CAT level,” she said. “This win means a lot to me. It shows that I’m growing and learning from every experience.”
Macheng’s dominant display against Leshoele reflected her growing confidence and maturity on the court. Her aggressive play and mental composure throughout the match drew praise from local spectators, who are hopeful that she can go even further in the tournament.
With this breakthrough win, Macheng is now looking to carry her momentum into the next rounds as she continues her journey in the ITF circuit. Her triumph is not only a personal achievement but also a promising sign for Botswana’s tennis future, as more young athletes begin to make their mark on the international stage.
