French-Nigerian Star, Hemery, Wins Second Title As Lagos Open Wraps Up


Felix Egbomuche

Felix Egbomuche

French-Nigerian tennis star, Calvin Hemery, won his second title in the final game of the 2019 Lagos Open International Tennis Championship.

The 24-year-old completed his clean-sweep of the men’s singles event on Monday after his opponent, Aldin Sektic, retired due to injury.

Hemery and Sektic were meeting in the finals for the second time in the two weeks of the ITF certified tournament and many had anticipated a very close final.

But it wasn't to be for the Serb who retired minutes into the game while already trailing 4-2 after Hemery had broken him in the first set.

The win was the 6th title of Hemery's young career and his 3rd in his fatherland. The fifth-seed had the backing of his father who is from Edo State and the crowd who had fallen in love with his personality and tennis skills in his 15-day stay in Lagos.

In the previous final meeting between both men, the French-born star won 6-1, 6-2 against Sektic who won the Lagos Open title four years ago.

All through the two weeks and the ten matches he played, Hemery didn't drop a set and was very imperious with his serves which caused his opponents problem.

Speaking to the media after his win, Hemery said: "My people were here for me and I'm happy to have won despite the tough conditions. It wasn't easy to stay focused on the tournament, so I'm happy to have won."

On returning to Lagos three years after his previous tournament in the city, the Edo State indigene said: "I felt like I was at home really, it felt like I was in France. I feel happy to be here and you know, it's a part of me, I hope I'll be back to play another tournament, maybe a challenger or an ATP 50."

Hemery disclosed that he and his father were leaving for Edo State where he would meet up with his grandmother.

Happenings Media