ITF's Thierry Ntwali honoured with Tennis Black List trailblazer award
Thierry Ntwali, the ITF’s Development Officer for East and Central Africa, was last night honoured for his work in the sphere of tennis development as he received the Tennis Black List’s International Trailblazer award.
The International Trailblazer award is given to a person or persons whose leadership has made an extraordinary impact on tennis internationally.
Ntwali was celebrated alongside a star-studded list of winners including Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys and Angella Okutoyi at The Queen’s Club, London as the Tennis Black List once again hosted a prestigious awards evening.
It is the third straight year in which the Tennis Black List, founded by sports broadcaster Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo of the International Tennis Integrity Agency, has celebrated black and mixed-black excellence in tennis.
Furthermore, it is the second successive year in which a member of the ITF’s development team has been recognised after the work of the ITF’s Head of Performance and Events, Debbie Kirkwood, was highlighted in 2024. Former ITF Vice-President Katrina Adams, meanwhile, won the award in 2023 – the event’s inaugural year.
“It is an honour to receive the International Trailblazer award from the Tennis Black List,” said Ntwali. “I am proud, humbled and filled with gratitude.
“As someone who has dedicated more than a decade to the development of tennis in East and Central Africa, this recognition is deeply meaningful, not just for me personally but for the entire region.
“It shines a light on the often-unseen efforts taking place to grow the game in communities where tennis is still emerging. This award reinforces the belief that with commitment, collaboration and a shared vision, we can break barriers and create lasting change.
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“I thank the ITF, my predecessor Prince Madema, who set the standard, and everyone who has worked tirelessly alongside me: national association leaders, coaches and the team at the ITF regional training centres in Burundi and Kenya.
“They have all contributed to this success. I hope it inspires young players and future leaders across the continent to keep pushing boundaries and believing in their potential.”
Sackey-Addo confirmed the work Ntwali has done in respect of growing the game in East and Central Africa over many years resonated strongly with him, Batson and the Tennis Black List Steering Group.
“It is no coincidence that over the last few years we are seeing a new, history-making generation of players from the region finding success at ITF Junior/College/Professional level, not to mention new pro tournaments that have come to the region in recent years," said Sackey-Addo.
“Thierry has been instrumental and has played a key role in this growth, and it was a privilege to honour him as we did Debbie a year ago.”
Global tennis development is a key purpose of the ITF and much of the ITF’s work in this area centres upon improving tennis for future generations in nations which are more under-resourced than others.
Ntwali was appointed ITF Development Officer for East and Central Africa in 2011 and there have been many instances of progress since, particularly when viewed through the lens of long-term impact.
East and Central Africa now hosts 10 weeks of ITF World Tennis Tour – Men’s and Women’s – action each year and 29 weeks of ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors competition, ensuring a pathway for the region’s most promising players.
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Allied to four weeks of ATP Challenger events being staged in nations such as Congo and Rwanda, it becomes increasingly clear how significant the region is for the development of African tennis.
There is also considerable energy and passion at grassroots level with 7,000 children now part of the ITF Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) across the region.
The JTI is a key part of a National Association’s development pathway for players aged 14 and under and provides opportunities for children to pick up a racket for the first time.
In addition, an increasing number of coaches from the region are earning top-level ITF qualifications and are now rated among the best on the continent. They, in turn, are producing high-performing players.
Rising stars Sada Nahimana and Okutoyi are shining examples of what is possible with structured development and support. Their success not only inspires the next generation but places the East and Central African region on the global tennis map.
“Contributing to the growth of tennis in East and Central Africa has been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life,” added Ntwali.
“Every day brings the opportunity to nurture talent, strengthen structures and support national associations in their mission to make tennis more accessible and sustainable.
“Seeing young players pick up a racket for the first time though a JTI programme or local coaches and officials gaining confidence through training, reminds me why this work matters.
“It’s not just about sport, it’s about empowerment, opportunity and community. The reward is witnessing the transformation of individuals and systems and knowing that tennis can be a powerful tool for positive social change.”
Congratulations, Thierry.
Tennis Black List presented in association with Dante Talent, the landmark celebration of Black and mixed black excellence in tennis, returned for its third edition at the prestigious The Queen’s Club during the HSBC Championships, supported by the LTA.
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