Nahimana becomes first Burundian to seal WTA main draw match-win
Sada Nahimana has made history by becoming the first Burundian to win a WTA main draw match after defeating Morocco's Aya El Aouni in the first round at Grand Prix Sar La Princesse Lalla Meryem.
Nahimana’s story is a powerful one. Born and raised in Bujumbura, the now 24-year-old previously took time out from the ITF World Tennis Tour event taking place in her hometown to show us around.
A video has been posted on the ITF website and social media channels which shows the wall on which she learnt to play tennis. From those humble beginnings, Nahimana has risen to No. 267 in the WTA singles rankings.
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Last month, Nahimana – a former junior world No. 12 – lifted silverware at back-to-back W50 Bujumbura events on the ITF World Tennis Tour, which were the joint-biggest titles of her career.
In many respects, Nahimana’s journey reflects the very purpose of the ITF: the provision of a pathway to rise from the wall in the video to having realistic dreams of featuring on the sport’s biggest stages.
Nahimana has also received development support along the way. This has come through direct financial assistance from the ITF via a Junior Player Grant, attendance of the ITF Regional Training Centre in Morocco and funding through the ITF-operated Grand Slam Player Development Programme.
It all adds up to a fabulous story and one which has many chapters still to write.