Paul Wekesa

Royal tennis, court tennis, real tennis, lawn tennis or simply tennis. Regardless of the name you choose to title this sport with it still remains one of the world’s favourite games.

The history of tennis dates back to the 13th century when the French introduced the sport and made it known across Europe, America and eventually Africa. A tennis game consists of three sets and every tournament starts with a draw that displays all the players participating. Each set has a minimum of six games where points are awarded. The first side that wins six games automatically becomes the winner of the set.

With a racket in one hand and eyes focused on a fairly small ball, Paul Wekesa was the notable tennis name of the 1980s in Kenya, a true force to be reckoned with on the court.

He began playing in high school and his talent was immediately recognized, earning him a tennis scholarship to Chapman University in America where he first played as an amateur. At 20, Paul qualified for the 1987 All Africa Games held in Nairobi, battling each set out with some of Africa’s best tennis players at the Nairobi Club. At the time Wekesa was Kenya’s top tennis player and in the quarter finals he was up against Nigeria’s David Imonitie. The pressure on the court was palpable with then president Daniel arap Moi among the spectators of the game. Sema pressure!

The first set saw Paul dictate the pace of the game while the second set almost went to Imonitie but Paul maintained his lead. Before the final set began, Wekesa was given a three minute break following a stomach ailment. He returned to the court ready to take the prize and after the tough game gave Kenya a deserved win in the quarter final round. Paul’s win ensured Kenya a third medal in the games following two that were already guaranteed by women doubles players, Judy Wakhungu, Louise Wekesa and Jane Davies-Doxzon and Susan Wakhungu-Githuku. The first man to win a tennis medal for Kenya at an international game, Paul was warmly received  by President Moi after the match.

Paul remained undeterred in his pursuit of better tennis rankings. 1995 remains his best year to date when he was ranked a top 100 tennis players in the world. Paul Wekesa set a new standard in the sport getting Kenya known once again as a country that excels across various sporting fields. We salute his efforts, for not giving up and keeping his eye on the ball.

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