Athieno makes history as Uganda shines at 2025 Tennis Open

Patience Athieno delivered a historic performance to claim the women’s title at the 2025 Uganda Tennis Open, becoming the first Ugandan woman to lift the prestigious trophy since the tournament’s revival in 2023.

Athieno defeated Rwanda’s Gisele Umumararunga in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0, to secure the title and rekindle national pride on home soil.

In the men’s final, top seed John Albert Njogu from Kenya claimed his maiden Uganda Open title in a dramatic clash against compatriot and defending champion Ismael Changawa.

Patience Athieno of Uganda in the final of Uganda Open Tennis May 25 2025. PHOTO: Silvano Kibuuka

The match, filled with tension and high-level play, was cut short in the third set when Changawa retired due to a hip injury sustained while returning a shot.

The score was level at 1-1, with Changawa having taken the first set 7-6 in a tiebreak before Njogu fought back to win the second. Despite the anticlimactic end, Njogu praised his opponent’s talent and sportsmanship.

"The final ended unexpectedly due to injury, but Changawa is a skilled and versatile player. I’m proud to win my first Uganda Open title, adding to the Rwanda Open I won in 2022," Njogu said after the match.

Athieno expressed her joy at making history and outlined her future ambitions.
“I’m thrilled to be the first Ugandan woman to win the revived Uganda Open. My focus now is on training hard to represent Uganda well at the World University Games in Germany this August,” she said.

Both champions received trophies and cash prizes, with Njogu taking home sh 2.5 million and Athieno awarded sh2 million.

Uganda Tennis Open Winners. PHOTO: Silvano Kibuuka

The 2025 Uganda Tennis Open spanned three weeks, starting May 10, and featured five categories played across Lugogo Tennis Courts and Kampala Club. The competition included U14, U18, veterans (over 40 and over 50, singles and doubles), wheelchair tennis, and the pro category, which concluded on Saturday.

This year’s tournament also saw several notable developments. Plascon painted the Lugogo Tennis Arena and pledged continued sponsorship, Jibu Water provided player refreshments, and the Ruparelia Foundation made a financial contribution. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) supported technical operations and logistics.

Uganda Tennis Association (UTA) chairman Mathias Nalyanya confirmed that the Uganda Open is now set to become an annual fixture on the national sports calendar.

Players from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and DR Congo took part in the event.

Winners in the different categories

Men Singles:

Albert John Njogu bt Ismael Changawa (Retirement third round)

Doubles:

David Oringa/Simon Ayella (UG) bt John Njogu / Ismael Changawa (W/O)

Wimen Singles:

Patience Athieno (UG) bt Gisele Umumararunga (RWA) 2-0 (7-5, 6-0)

Doubles:

Gisele Umumaratunga / Carine Nishimwe (RWA) bt Winnie Birungi/ Abigail Mulungi (UG) 2-0 (7-5, 61)

U-18 Boys:

Latif Ssendyowa (UGA) bt Sebbi Muzamil (UGA) 2-0

Girls:

Claresha Asiimwe (UGA) bt Lilian Ayee (UGA) 2-0

U-14 Boys:

Solomon Buyinza bt Abbey Damba 2-0

Girls:

Josephine Nasejje bt Miracle Nabulya 2-0