Danster beats Bezuidenhout for singles title

Lorenzo Danster announced himself as a new name on the senior circuit after claiming the first Senior Tennis Tournament of the year at Olympia’s Central Tennis Courts in Windhoek.

The event has in recent years been dominated by players who have since moved away from the spotlight, opening the door for a new generation to emerge.

However, one familiar name continues to stand out, with Joanivia Bezuidenhout remaining a force on the country’s senior tennis scene.

Bezuidenhout faced Danster in the final of a combined men’s singles draw after low entries in the women’s section led to the categories being merged to ensure stronger competition.

She and Secilia Nghitewapo were the only entrants in the women’s division, but Bezuidenhout produced a standout run in the mixed field to reach the final.

She opened with straight-set victories over Chris Arries (6-1, 6-0), Shafiishuna Shimali (6-0, 6-0) and top seed Ronaldo Uirab (6-1, 6-3) to book a place in the semi-finals.

There, she comfortably defeated third seed Jaden van der Westhuizen 6-1, 6-0 to set up a final clash against second seed Danster.

Run for his money

Danster’s route to the final proved more demanding, despite receiving a bye in the opening round.

He was pushed early by Henlou du Toit, needing a tie-break to edge the first set before closing out the match 7-6(5), 6-0.

He followed up with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Liam Oliver to advance to the semi-finals, where SP van Wyk handed him his toughest test.

Van Wyk claimed the opening set 7-5, with Danster later admitting the match aggravated a knee issue. However, he responded strongly to win 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-2 and secure his place in the final.

In the title match, Danster adopted a tactical approach against Bezuidenhout, targeting her baseline strength by drawing her forward with short balls.

The strategy proved effective, as Bezuidenhout struggled to convert at the net, with Danster sealing the title 6-0, 7-6(4).

Reflecting on his performance, Danster credited improved preparation under coach Mickey Alemu.

“We have been working on consistency and staying longer on the court in the week leading up to the tournament, and it paid off. It is all thanks to my coach,” he said.

Tactical shift

Danster acknowledged Bezuidenhout’s quality, saying it forced him to adjust his game plan.

“I had to be mentally smart and avoid baseline rallies. I needed to mix my game and try something different. It worked. I can’t really call this a win because she’s [basically] my sister,” he said.

Bezuidenhout admitted she felt pressure going into the final, despite her strong run.

“I knew I had to put up a fight and came in with a positive mindset. I just made too many mistakes and could not execute in the first set. I was too impatient and didn’t choose the right shots to finish points,” she said.

In the men’s doubles, Bezuidenhout and Van Wyk claimed the title with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 win over Gerald Hays and Fraunsch “Fred” Odiawo.

Organisers confirmed that only gold and silver medals were awarded to the winners and runners-up.

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