Angella Okutoyi: I am only getting started

Angella Okutoyi has been the talk of town for the better part of the past fortnight after the tennis sensation became the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title at the girls’ juniors  in the 2022 Wimbledon Championships partnering Rose Marie Nijkamp.

The 18- year old and her Netherlands counterpart rallied from behind to record a resounding victory against the Canadian duo of Kayla Cross and Victoria Mboko 3-6, 6-4, 11-9, a feat that helped her recover from the Junior Championships Singles category upset at the same event where she was eliminated in the first round.

She also hit headlines at the 2022 Australian Open after she became the first Kenyan representative to win a girls’ junior singles Grand Slam match.

But who is Angela Okutoyi? Our own Kevin Otenga got a hold of the racquetball ace whose meteoric rise has been nothing short of inspirational.

Otenga: Who is Angela Okutoyi and where was she born and raised?

Okutoyi: I am a tennis player. I was born here in Nairobi. Our upbringing was really difficult and I have lived with my grandmother since I was young after my mother died. I and my siblings were almost adopted but my grandmother moved in quickly to claim us. It was not easy on her side as she had to take care of four kids while ensuring we are educated and on top of that focus on her job. I really appreciate her for taking the responsibility to raise us.

Otenga: How did you find yourself playing tennis?

Okutoyi: I was introduced to tennis when I was four years old when I joined a tennis program at Loreto Convent Valley Road JTP and since then I have been playing tennis to date.

Otenga: How many honors have you won?

Okutoyi: I am a two time African champion and now a grand slam champion. I have also won ITF tournaments. I am also the first young Kenyan to win the Kenya Open and more so defending the title.  

Otenga: How did you meet you counterpart Rose Marie Nijkamp?

Okutoyi: I met Rose via Instagram when she texted me and asked if we can play doubles. She told me she was in the main draw. I was overjoyed because being in the main draw was another chance for us getting in to the draw. That was the first time we met, played together and won.

Otenga: How did you feel after bagging the title?

Okutoyi: I was elated with the win. It was always my dream to make tennis in Kenya known. I hope the future will be bright for Kenyan tennis. My victory is enough proof that we have potential in the discipline and the sport should be supported like other sports and I hope for the best.

Otenga: Your future goals?

Okutoyi: I want to win as many grand slams as possible and be world number one and I believe I will attain the feat.

Otenga: What is your advice to the young tennis players who are looking to achieve your milestone?

Okutoyi: Don’t waste your talent. A negative mind will never give you a positive life. Just be positive and hope for the best. Be confident give everything because dreams are valid.

Otenga: What is your plea to the ministry of Sports?

Okutoyi: I want to urge them to fully support the sport and inject more funding. I know there are many young players who want to join the sport and it will be a great moment to see many tennis players on the world map.