Parklands Sports Club to host two W35 tennis tournaments

Parkland Sports Club will host two ITF Women's World Tennis W35 Tour events early next year, following the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the facility and Tennis Kenya on Wednesday, 17 December.

The partnership confirmed that Parklands Sports Club had been accredited as a venue eligible to hosting ITF World Tour events, having met the set international requirements.

"The partnership represents a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the national federation and private clubs, enabling Kenya to consistently host international-standard tennis events and expand opportunities for local players to compete at home," a statement from Tennis Kenya read.

The two W35 tournaments are set to run in Nairobi from 29 December to 11 January, making it the second successive year Kenya has hosted the tournament.

Last year, Nairobi Club hosted the event, with home player Angella Okutoyi winning the doubles, and getting to the finals of the singles tournament.

Angela Okutoyi's W35 tournament double attempt thwarted

Up to 50 players from 48 countries are expected to participate in the world-ranking tournament, which offers valuable ranking points towards Olympic qualification.

Commenting on the partnership, Tennis Kenya President James Kenani said: "This partnership demonstrates what is possible when federations and clubs work together with a shared vision.

By hosting world-ranking events locally, we reduce barriers for our athletes and create clear, structured pathways to the highest levels of the sport.”

Parklands Sports Club Chairman Norman Asega, on the other hand described the moment as "an important milestone" for it and for Nairobi as a "host city of global tennis."

As per Tennis Kenya, who will have 10 players participate in the tournament, hosting the event in Nairobi will play a role in bringing international competition closer home, while lowering costs and increasing access for Kenyan athletes.

Ferdinand Omanyala reveals details of partnership with Kenyan school

Those sentiments were echoed by African Games gold medalist Okutoyi, who will use the event as part of her journey towards qualifying for the LA 2028 Olympics.

"Competing in a world-ranking event at home is a huge advantage,” she said. "It allows me to focus on performance, earn points, and begin my Road to LA 2028 with strong home support."