Defending champion Ismael Changawa and Albert Njogu will renew hostilities in the men’s singles final of the second Nellions Tennis Open on Saturday, as top seed Stacy Yego and second seed Felicia Ouko prepare to contest the ladies’ singles crown at Parklands Sports Club.
Changawa booked his place in the men’s final with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over fifth seed Liberty Kibue, while Njogu trounced Raymond Oduor 6-4, 7-6 in a tight semi-final on Friday, October 9, 2026.
In the ladies’ draw, Yego advanced with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over third seed Seline Ahoya, setting up a gold-medal clash with Ouko, who humbled fourth seed Bathsheba Ogamba 6-3, 6-3.
Changawa, 30, will be aiming to retain the title he won at the inaugural edition last year, when he defeated Njogu 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the final.
The Kenyan Davis Cup player and team captain said familiarity with Kibue, his teammate in the national squad, helped him navigate the semi-final, although he acknowledged the challenge posed by his 20-year-old opponent.
“The match was good. Kibue, I mean, I know him, he is my teammate from the national team,” explained Changawa. “We have been playing together, so I know how he plays, but he plays really good.”
Changawa also revealed that a fall during the match briefly threatened to disrupt his rhythm. He landed on his left leg after losing his footing, but was able to continue.
“Thank God I didn't break my leg,” he added.
The experienced player will now face Njogu, 25, in a repeat of last year’s final, with the latter hoping to reverse the outcome and claim the title.
Njogu secured his place in the decider after overcoming Oduor in a match that tightened in the second set. After breaking away from a 4-4 deadlock to take the opening set, Njogu faced a determined fightback before sealing victory in the tie-break.
Oduor acknowledged that his opponent had been the better player on the day, describing the match as a useful learning experience, particularly for younger players taking on more experienced competitors.
“Honestly, I enjoyed it. It was a tough one also. I tried my best, but unfortunately it didn't go my way,” observed Oduor.
The men’s final promises another competitive encounter between Changawa and Njogu, who are familiar with each other’s games following their meeting in last year’s championship match.
The ladies’ final will feature Yego, 18, and 15-year-old Ouko. Yego, playing at the tournament for the first time, disclosed that she was using the competition to prepare for upcoming International Tennis Federation (ITF) events.
The top seed, who trains at 254 Rocket Club in Loresho, credited improvements in her speed and on-court attitude for her progress and expressed confidence ahead of the final.
Ouko reached the final after seeing off fourth seed Ogamba 6-3, 6-3. She noted that she had to work hard to counter Ogamba’s serving, defence and ability to return balls.
“I had to really dig deep so that I could find a way,” said Ouko, who added that she had previously played both potential finalists and would adjust her approach depending on her opponent.
The four-day competition, which began on October 7, has attracted 54 players competing in men’s singles, ladies’ singles and Masters Men, reserved for players aged 35 and above. Nellions Moving and Relocations Limited CEO Cosmas Kamuyu was among the participants.
The men’s and ladies’ singles champions will each receive KES 30,000, while the runners-up will earn KES 15,000.
Bronze-medal winners will take home KES 8,000, and quarter-finalists will receive KES 4,000.
Sponsored by Nellions Moving and Relocations Company, the Nairobi-based firm specialising in residential and corporate moving, international relocation, storage and pet relocation services, the tournament concludes on Saturday, October 10, with the finals and medal matches.
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