Hoërskool Bergvlam alumni to play on the men’s pro tour later this year
For 19-year-old ex-Vlammie, Muhammad Arabi, keeping his eyes on the ball is something that comes naturally.
Muhammad made waves during his school career as a tennis player. He matriculated last year and is taking a gap year to hone his skills on the tennis court and carve out a name for himself in the sport.
This year he has registered with the International Tennis Federation (IFT), which allows him to play on the men’s pro tour.
“On the tour, I get to compete with players from all over the world in a number of different tournaments which will be hosted throughout the year,” he said.
In the first week of March, Muhammad will be competing in a tournament in Potchefstroom, which is the ITF’s $25 000 tour.
“My entry into this tournament essentially means that I will be pitted against players ranked between 200 and 400 on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world tour.”
The avid tennis player is looking to pursue a professional career in the sport and needs sponsorship to help him enter more tournaments to cement his credibility.
ALSO READ: Rob Ferreira’s Jakobus breaks three records
“Tennis players hoping to be ranked need to compete every week to collect ATP points. So, in order to get a world ranking, tennis players to play more tournaments.”
Unlike most of his peers, the budding tennis ace did not soak up the sun during the December holidays. “I spent my time in the gym or at home where my trainer, Lawrence Phoku, put me through the paces. We concentrated on building my strength, focusing on weight and physical training. “My new fitness coach focused on endurance and strengthening my core,” he explained.
Muhammad said that he spent a minimum of four hours a day on the tennis court, dividing his training between the Nelspruit and Valencia tennis clubs.”The results have been positive, especially the mental aspect of the game. I have learnt to leave room for disappointment, but I give my best in every tournament.
ALSO READ: Horses and riders leap into 2020 at Uplands
“I want to go all the way because my dream has always been to play professionally and this is where I start.” Muhammad’s family is encouraging him to follow his dreams.
“I’m getting support and motivation from my family and mentors, especially Tombie Pappas who has been instrumental in me playing tennis from a very young age.”Had it not been for her constant motivation and encouragement, I would not have continued with the sport,” he concluded.
