Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has commended Kenyan tennis star Angella Okutoyi following her outstanding performance at the ITF World Tennis Tour Nairobi W35 Week 2, where she lifted the singles title at Parklands Sports Club. Okutoyi sealed the championship with a composed straight-sets win over Italy’s Martina Colmegna, prevailing 6-3, 7-6 in a closely fought final played on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The victory capped off another impressive week for the Kenyan, underlining her growing stature on the international tennis scene.
Mvurya Hails Okutoyi’s Resilience and Discipline
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Mvurya congratulated Okutoyi for her determination and consistency, describing the win as a reflection of her strong character and work ethic. He noted that her success continues to inspire many young Kenyans, adding that her steady rise in global tennis is proof that dedication and belief eventually pay off. The CS encouraged her to keep pushing, saying her long-awaited breakthrough is within reach.
Ranking Boost and Career Milestone
The Nairobi title earned Okutoyi 70 WTA ranking points, a reward that propelled her 82 places up the global rankings, from 558th to 476th. The leap further solidifies her position as Kenya’s top-ranked female tennis player. Speaking after the tournament, Okutoyi expressed joy at the achievement, describing it as a major milestone in her quest to break into the top 400. She attributed her success to self-belief, mental strength, and trust in her game, noting that the achievement marked a rare personal milestone — winning two singles titles and two doubles titles in one stretch. She also expressed gratitude to God for the progress in her career.
Back-to-Back Nairobi Titles
The Week 2 triumph marked Okutoyi’s second consecutive singles crown in Nairobi, having won the Week 1 final against the same opponent, Colmegna, in three sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-3). She also walked away with the Week 1 doubles title, partnering with Poland’s Zuzanna Pawlikowska, further highlighting her versatility and endurance.
Dominant Run Through Week 2
Throughout the Week 2 tournament, Okutoyi displayed remarkable consistency. She cruised past Saumya Vig in the opening round (6-0, 6-1), followed by a solid win over Lamis Alhussein Abdel Aziz (6-3, 6-3). Her momentum continued with victories over Isabella Shinikova in the quarter-finals and Sandra Samir in a demanding semi-final clash (6-1, 6-7(6), 6-1).
Balancing Academics and Professional Tennis
Away from the court, Okutoyi is currently pursuing her studies at Auburn University in the United States, successfully balancing academic life with a fast-rising professional tennis career — a testament to her discipline both on and off the court. As she continues her upward trajectory, Okutoyi remains one of Kenya’s brightest sporting talents, carrying the national flag with pride on the global stage.
