By Zim Sport Live Writer
Top Zimbabwean female tennis player Valeria Bhunu claimed her first ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour singles title in four years following her victory at the Curro Centre Court Series in Durban on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Zimbabwean ace capped off a memorable week in Durban with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over France’s Astrid Cirrotte in the final on the hard courts at Curro Hillcrest High School.
The scintillating win in the opening week of the three legged Curro Series was a timely
confidence-boosting win for Bhunu who has been working very hard on her game since making a comeback to the women’s pro circuit early this year after a four year absence.
Bhunu served a three year suspension from tennis by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after testing positive to the banned substance, mesterolone, in December, 2021.
Despite pleading her innocence, Bhunu was unable to challenge her suspension due to the high costs involved in the appeal process.
After serving her suspension, Bhunu became eligible to compete on the circuit in December last year and has since competed in tournaments in Burundi and Tunisia before he comeback win in Durban.
Bhunu claimed her maiden ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour title in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 10 years ago.
She had to wait almost six years to return to the winners circle when she bagged her second victory in Monastir, Tunisia, in June 2022.