Veteran player Mary Wachira made an emphatic return to competitive tennis with a commanding straight-sets victory on March 13, 2026, the Nairobi Club clay courts at the ongoing Ultimate Champions Tennis Challenge, a tournament open to players aged 14 years and above.

Wachira defeated Lily Mburu 6-0, 6-0 in the opening round of the women’s category, delivering a flawless performance that marked her first competitive match in three years. Despite the comfortable scoreline, Wachira described the match as an important opportunity to regain her rhythm and test herself on court after a lengthy break from competitive tennis.

“This match was a good taste of the courts and good practice for the matches ahead,” Wachira said after the game. “I believe the other players might be tougher, but I’ll put my foot down and try my best.”

The victory is particularly significant for Wachira, who revealed that she had been away from the sport for an extended period. The tournament marks her first competitive appearance in nearly three years, having missed the entire previous season and much of the period before that.

“I didn’t play the whole of last year,” she explained. “So basically it feels like I haven’t played in about two or three years. This is my first match back in that time.”

Despite the long hiatus, Wachira showed little sign of rust during her dominant performance against the 16-year-old Mburu. She said the win felt encouraging but emphasized that competition brings a different level of focus compared to practice sessions.

“It feels good after such a long period,” she said. “It’s good practice, but when you’re in competition you become more serious. That’s the difference.”

Wachira now turns her attention to a tougher challenge in the next round where she will face seventh seed Tumelo Kimunya. The experienced player remains determined as she continues her campaign in the tournament.

“If I want to win the tournament, then I must face whoever comes next,” she said confidently.

At 64 years old, Wachira also reflected on the generational gap between herself and her first-round opponent. Mburu, who is only 16, is close in age to Wachira’s own grandchild.

“I told her just to enjoy the game,” Wachira said with a smile.

“My grandchild is 15, and Lily is 16, so it felt like I was playing someone of my grandchild’s age.”

She encouraged the young player to keep improving despite the loss.

“I told her not to give up,” Wachira added.

“She should keep practicing with players her age and she will also get there.”

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Ashley Wafula beat Azaliyah Kavuisya 6-2, 6-0, while Sheryl Akinyi defeated Elena Vakhotina 6-2, 6-4. Felicia Ouko also advanced after beating Sekele Kahi 6-1, 6-1.

The women’s event features strong competition with Faith Urasa, Nancy Kawira, Seline Ahoya, Stacy Yego, Mercyline Oresha, Michelle Murage, Tumelo Kimunya, and Jenerica Rogoi seeded first through eighth respectively.

In the boys’ category, top seed Albert Njogu defeated Edgar Ojiambo 6-2, 6-1, while third seed Brandon Isami overwhelmed Karisa Baraka 6-0, 6-1. Fourth seed Kennedy Ngolya also progressed comfortably, beating Ismael Ahmed 6-1, 6-1.

Other notable players in the men’s draw, include fifth seed Jeff Okuku, seventh seed Lawrence Biwott, ninth seed Alvin Kimathi, second seed Raymond Oduor, Jyan Patel, Seth Wang, Elijah Kithome, and 14th seed Aum Chandarana.

As the tournament progresses, Wachira’s inspiring return to the court adds an uplifting storyline to the competition, proving that passion for the sport can transcend age and time away from the game.