Okutoyi appeals for financial aid to sustain her bolstering tennis career

Kenyan Tennis star Angella Okutoyi / HANDOUT

Kenya's tennis star Angella Okutoyi has issued a public appeal for financial support to enable her sustain her participation in international tournaments.

Okutoyi, who has made history as one of Kenya’s most successful young tennis players, called on individuals, corporates and sporting stakeholders to assist.

  In a video message, Okutoyi said she's currently without sponsorship and is struggling to cover the high costs associated with competing abroad.

She urged the corporate sector to partner with Tennis Kenya to expand local competitions, noting that hosting bigger events would reduce the costly burden of traveling overseas.

“I don’t have any sponsorship as of now but any kind of support mainly financially to be able to travel and play this various tournaments. I appeal to corporates to come together and support Tennis Kenya to host bigger events so that I don’t incur costs to travel to other countries,” she said.

“I need money to travel, anyone who is out there and wishes to support will mean a lot to me. The main resources is to travel, I need the air ticket, accommodation, entry fees buy balls, pay a coach and other personal needs, and it is a lot of costs and anyone willing can help.”

Okutoyi has emerged as one of Kenya’s most promising tennis talents, earning international recognition and breaking new ground for the country in a sport that has long struggled to gain mainstream support.

She made history in 2022 when she became the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title after clinching the girls’ doubles crown at Wimbledon.

The milestone propelled Kenya on the global tennis map and cemented her status as a rising star in African tennis.

Beyond Wimbledon, Okutoyi has consistently performed well in junior Grand Slam competitions, advancing into later stages.

She has been ranked among the top junior players on the continent and has represented Kenya at major international and continental tournaments.

Known for her athleticism and competitive discipline, Okutoyi is working to transition from the junior circuit to senior international tournaments, a phase that demands significant financial backing for travel, coaching, equipment, and entry fees.

On January 14, Okutoyi climbed to a career-high world ranking of 476 following back-to-back W35 tournament victories over the past fortnight.

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,” Okutoyi said.

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.