Cynthia Wanjala takes on Israel’s  Adi Bitton as she seeks to qualify for the first round of the Women’s World Tour tennis tournament today at the Karen Club. 

Claire Muthoni equally faces Germany’s Akoma Ej Hansen aiming to stay on course in the prestigious show.

In other matches, Stacy Yego and Mary Wachira will face opposition from India. Yego confronts Mahrukh Koni while Wachira will be up against Sharanya Shetty as they attempt to qualify for the first round proper.

In an interview, Wanjala said she will take one match at a time.

“I’m looking forward to the clash. I have played two build-up tournaments and I hope I can go on a good run and do the country proud,” she noted. 

The Kenyan quartet will be hoping to join Wimbledon Junior doubles champion Angela Okutoyi with the teen sensation handed a place in the first round owing to her stellar performance this year on the circuit. 

Speaking on Sunday, Okutoyi said she is delighted to play in the tournament at home for the first time in three years.

“I have been playing abroad for the last couple of years and I am excited to play at home. I am asking fans to turn up in large numbers,” she added. The country’s youngest Kenya Open champion expects a stern test from the players participating in the event.

“It’s going to be competitive. We have some of the best players coming down to Nairobi and this will help me elevate my game,” added Okutoyi

A total of 45 players and 10 coaches from 21 countries will grace the two-week tournament.

The total prize purse of the event is Sh 1.8 million and the winner in the singles category will pocket Sh285,532 with doubles champions pocketing Sh115,984.

Hosts Kenya, USA, India, Switzerland, Germany, France, Serbia, Croatia, Denmark, Italy and Israel have so far confirmed participation.

Other countries including Algeria, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, North Macedonia, and Uzbekistan.