South African tennis star aims for top ten spot

Maripa, ranked number 13th in the world, was frustrated by his first round loss to fourth seed Nicolas Peifer from France in the Men’s Singles at the Airports Company South Africa SA Open recently.

He said, “I lost the match against Peifer because I beat myself, I was my own worst enemy out there.”

The 23-year-old lost 6-0 6-4 to the French world number six.

Maripa added, “Yes, it was a tough draw to face the fourth seed in the first round, but I love the challenge of drawing seeds, because it tests you and you learn from every match. I went in with a lot of confidence, but I was all over the place in the first set. I was over hitting every ball that came my way and got so flustered that I could not get onto the scoreboard. I started the second set much the same, but I pulled myself together.”

According to Maripa, he was 5-1 down however fought back to 5-4.

Maripa forced Dutchman Maikel Scheffers into a third set during their second round clash at the Airports Company South Africa Gauteng Open last week.

Stephane Houdet from France said, “Evans is undoubtedly the strongest player on the men’s singles circuit right now.”

Houdet said, “I think it’s just a matter of time before he breaks into the top 10, he just needs a bit more experience against the top seeds to play a little smarter and he will knock down the door.”

Acting spokesperson for Airports Company South Africa Colin Naidoo said, “Maripa is undoubtedly a future star to watch.”

Naidoo added, “Evans has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years as a wheelchair tennis player and Airports Company South Africa is proud to have been part of his progress and success,”

Maripa and Frenchman Frederick Cattaneo reached the quarter-finals of the Men’s Doubles in the Airports Company South Africa Gauteng Open last week and the duo will combine once again in the pursuit of success this week.