African Games tennis champion Angela Okutoyi during the W35 tournament at Parklands Sports Club/HANDOUT




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African Games champion Angella Okutoyi has climbed to a career-high world ranking of 476 following back-to-back W35 tournament victories over the past fortnight.

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Before the twin tournaments, the three-time Kenya Open champion was ranked 558, but her impressive run — which included titles in both singles and doubles — saw her surge up the rankings and collect 70 valuable points.

The 2022 Wimbledon junior doubles champion also pocketed Sh1.4 million in prize money for the victories.

Speaking after the triumphs, Okutoyi said she is now targeting further progress up the rankings, with her sights firmly set on breaking into the top 300 by the end of the year as she eyes qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“I am delighted with the two victories and the new ranking. The coaching team and I will not sit on our laurels. We will work harder than before to ensure that come 2028, we are in Los Angeles,” said Okutoyi.

The 20-year-old revealed that she plans to turn professional after completing her studies at Auburn University in Alabama, United States, where she is pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree in business and sports coaching.

“I have one semester left when I go back, and in June, I complete my studies and turn professional,” she noted.

Her coach, Thuku Rogoi, described the recent success as just the beginning for Okutoyi, highlighting her growing confidence and mental strength.

“It’s a first for her to win back-to-back W35 tournaments. Her mental fortitude is strong, which bodes well for future events. With these wins under her belt, she can aim even higher in the year ahead,” said Rogoi.

Okutoyi defeated third seed Martina Colmegna of Italy for the second consecutive week, clinching the final 6-3, 7-6.

The two had also faced off in the previous week’s final, where Okutoyi prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 at Parklands Sports Club.

It was a double celebration for the Kenyan star, who also captured the doubles title in both tournaments. In the second leg, she partnered with Demi Tran of the Netherlands to beat Alyssa Reguer of France and Yufei Ren of China 6-2, 5-7, 10-4.

In the first leg, Okutoyi teamed up with Poland’s Zuzanna Pawlikowska to defeat the same pair 6-2, 7-5.