Okutoyi out to change narrative as powerful tennis field chases Li Na dream

ESSEN - Angella Okutoyi (KEN) intends to win more than just medals when she steps on to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games tennis courts.

The Kenyan, brought up by her grandmother after her mother died in childbirth, is ready to show an entire continent just what can be done.

"Most people know that tennis is a rich sport, and I didn't come from a rich family," Okutoyi told Olympics.com. "So, me being able to break through, it's quite a good story.

"My journey is already inspiring so many young kids and I can show them that they can also do it."

The 21-year-old will take part in the women's singles and doubles at ETUF Tennisanlage in Essen from 17 July. And she has a history of backing up her words with deeds.

In 2022 Okutoyi became the first Kenyan to win a junior Grand Slam title when she and partner Rose Marie Nijkamp (NED) claimed the Wimbledon girls’ doubles crown. A year later, she won the African Games women’s singles gold medal and became Kenya's first ever singles champion on the ITF World Tennis Tour, winning the W15 Monastir event.

The pioneer will, however, have a mighty task on her hands to become Africa's first FISU Games champion.

Ones to watch

Eliz Maloney (GBR) arrives in Germany boosted by memories of recent success in a high-profile student event. Maloney led her team to women's silver at the 2024 Master'U, the global university-level tournament held in France each year.

A reigning four-time British universities champion, Maloney will be expecting strong competition from historic rivals, the USA. Doubles pair Olivia Grace Center and Kate Fakih (USA) rose to No.2 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings earlier this season and are ones to watch.

Teammate Nicholas Cooper Godsick (USA), who helped Stanford to claim the prestigious ACC Championship this season, is looking to benefit from some particular insight as he chases glory in Germany.

"(Stanford) Coach (Paul) Goldstein won the gold medal in (men's) doubles (FISU 1995 Games) when he was in college and I embrace the opportunity to fight for a medal as well," Godsick said recently.

Power of team spirit

Australia are hoping their sense of togetherness will make all the difference.

"Jeremy (Jin) and I have been good friends for a long time now," Derek Pham (AUS) told Tennis Australia. "He once lived down the road from me and we’re still very close.”

On the women's side, Catherine Aulia (AUS) cannot wait to team up with fellow US collegiate player Lily Taylor (AUS).

"We'll go well in doubles, for sure – both Lily and I really like playing doubles together," Aulia said. "We've got a big group chat going, so we just update each other on training in there, but I think we've known each other long enough, we don't need to talk constantly.

"It's just, like, 'rock up and get going'. It'll be good. I can't wait."

Li Na sets roadmap

The example Aulia and co are all chasing could not be more alluring.

Twenty-four years ago Li Na (CHN) stepped up and claimed the women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles gold at the Beijing 2001 Universiade (as the FISU Games were known at the time). Li went on to claim two Grand Slam singles crowns and become the first Asian player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

A nine-strong German team is banking on home advantage as they look to follow Li.

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