By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe tennis star Benjamin Lock has described reaching the Rwanda Open singles final as one of the most memorable weeks of his career after making a long-awaited return to competitive singles action.
Lock reached his first singles final in almost two years at the ITF M25 tournament in Kigali after battling back from major elbow surgery that kept him sidelined for an extended period.
The 32-year-old entered the tournament as a wild card but went all the way to the final before losing 6-3, 6-3 to Frenchman Calvin Hemery at the RP Kigali/Kicukiro Ecology Tennis Court on Sunday.
Despite falling short of the title, the run marked a significant milestone in Lock’s comeback and made him the only African player to reach the singles final.
Reflecting on his return, Lock said the achievement meant more because of the journey he had taken to get back on court.
“Finals in my first singles tournament in nearly two years. One of the most memorable weeks of my career, not because of the occasion or result, but because of the mountain I climbed to get here.”
Lock also expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his recovery.
“I’m filled with gratitude and joy and I just want to thank the people who were with me every step of my recovery journey over the last two years.”
The Zimbabwean had impressed throughout the tournament after receiving a wild card, overcoming the challenges of his lengthy absence to reach the final.
Hemery, 31, produced a composed display to claim his first ITF M25 title on his debut at the Rwanda Open.
The Frenchman controlled the opening set and converted his opportunities to take it 6-3 before maintaining his advantage in the second set to complete the victory by the same scoreline.
For Lock, the defeat denied him a first M25 title but did little to diminish the significance of his run.
His return to a singles final provides an important marker in his recovery and another indication that he is moving closer to his best after two difficult years.
Lock is an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship recipient and remains one of Zimbabwe’s leading tennis players.
The Rwanda Open continues with a second M25 tournament in Kigali from 5-11 October, giving Lock another opportunity to build on his impressive comeback.
