Adjei-Darko wins ITF Futures

It was a game that saw both unseeded players giving all their best to win both the ITF’s USD1,300 top prize and gain valuable ATP-Points to feature in the more affluent professional circuit.

With early threats of rains that delayed play for nearly two hours, the weather was initially friendly at approximately 20 degrees celsius, Anderson won the toss and immediately went to work winning the opening game at 40-15. It wasn’t until the 8th game before Anderson with better court coverage break Adjei-Darko, who was obviously getting the ‘heat’ of popular support from the sparse spectators at the Centre Court, 15-40.

The break however jolted the Ghanaian as he wouldn’t let go easily the first set as he fought to a deuce. Anderson had to save two match points before eventually winning 6-3. Anderson entered the second set with enough vigour to end the tournament at two straight sets.

But Adjei-Darko saved two game points to take his opening serve 40-30, and went ahead to broke Anderson 40-0. By now the sun was up, and the South African not used to the West Africa humid weather had to drink more water to maintain his strength.

With temperatures now slightly above 30-degree-celsius, Adjei-Darko took a commanding posture and broke Anderson in the 8th game 15-40 and match to tie 1-1.

The third set saw the West African in complete command breaking Anderson in another early start in his first serve. Although, Anderson fought spiritedly to win, it was obvious, the elements were not on his side and he also confessed to nigeriasports.com later.

“I was tired. Completely tired! I wanted desperately to win, but I got tired in the second set, and by the third, I only tried to stay on,” Anderson told nigeriasports.com at the rest room after the match.

He paid tribute to his Ghanaian conqueror, “he played very well and wanted to win too. But I hope to win the next tournament too.” Adjei-Darko, son of a Ghanaian pharmacist who first played tennis at age seven had the spectators on his side, and is greatly admired by the ladies here.

“It was a wonderful match. I had my fears initially especially after losing the opening set. But, I also saw that he lost concentration in the second set, maybe due to the weather. But I know he was tired, so I had to increase my level of play,” Adjei-Darko told nigeriasports.com

Playing tennis without a single sponsor, Adjei-Darko said his USD1,300 prize money would be used to return to Nigeria again in October for the Heineken Futures event.

“I have only my parents support, so the money I won today would enable me return to Nigeria in October for the other Futures,” he said.

By Julie Anyanwu