Guyana’s lawn tennis ace Afruica Gentle was forced to retire from her opening round match of the 2019 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior International Tournament in Jamaica on Tuesday.
Gentle, who just under a week ago captured the Touch Tuina Blue Mountain Caribbean Junior Lawn Tennis Championships in Jamaica, was leading in the deciding third set 2-1 when cramps forced her to forfeit the match.
The Guyanese took the first set 7-6 and lost the second 6-7 against Valeria Schad of the Dominican Republic.
“I am satisfied with my performance in the ITF tournament but I’m disappointed with myself because I could’ve won the match but I had to retire,” the 18-year-old revealed to Stabroek Sports.
Quizzed about what’s next on her agenda, Gentle revealed that she is now keen on securing a scholarship.
“Well I’m focusing on getting a scholarship to college and preparing for other tournaments this year.”
She also took part in the doubles category of the international event, teaming up with Jamaican Kailey Chin. The duo was defeated by Selena Bird of Jamaica and Peyton Anderson of the United States 2-0.
