Ismael Changawa and Stacy Yego underlined their supremacy on the Kenyan tennis circuit after winning the men's and women's singles titles at the 2026 Nellions Tennis Open at Parklands Sports Club on Saturday.
Top seed Changawa produced a sterling display to retain his men's crown, outwitting second seed Albert Njogu 6-1, 6-0 in an explosive final on the clay courts.
Yego, also the top seed, completed a memorable tournament by sweeping aside second seed Felicia Ouko 7-5, 6-2 to claim the women's title, capping a strong run against some of the best players in Kenya.
For Changawa, the victory was particularly sweet as it marked his second consecutive Nellions Open title and repeated last year's final against Njogu.
The 30-year-old Changawa was ruthless with his serve and gave his opponent little room to settle into the match. Njogu, 25, struggled to cope with the pressure and could not find a consistent response to Changawa's aggressive play.
Changawa wrapped up the second set without dropping a game, sealing the championship with an ace to underline his authority.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Changawa admitted he had expected a much tougher contest against an opponent he considers dangerous.
"I wasn't expecting that one. I was expecting a three-set match or a 7-5, 7-5 win," observed Changawa.
"I played really good. I didn't give him a chance to attack. I didn't give him any opportunity to do anything because Albert Njogu is really good. When you give him an opportunity like that, he takes it. He never gives up."
Changawa's route to the title demonstrated the consistency that has made him a formidable opponent on the local circuit.
After getting a first-round bye, Changawa opened his campaign with a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Lewis Onyango before dispatching seventh seed Aum Chandarana 6-0, 6-1.
He then overpowered Liberty Kibue 6-4, 6-1 in the semi-finals to set up the repeat final against Njogu.
Changawa said Nellions Tennis Open had provided valuable preparation as he continues to balance his training on clay and hard courts ahead of other competitions abroad in three weeks.
"I have been mixing the courts. I have been playing on hard courts and clay. The tournament I'm going to is on hard court, so this one is good practice," he observed.
Changawa was grateful for the victory, but made it clear that celebrations would be brief as he prepares for his next assignment.
"I'm motivated. I'm happy. I know all my team is going to be happy. My family is also going to be happy. I just wanted to play a good match," he disclosed.
"I'm going back to train again tomorrow because I have a tournament in three weeks. I have to stay focused. The only thing I can say is thank God for the victory."
Yego's victory was equally convincing, although the 18-year-old had to work harder in the final against Ouko.
Yego, who trains at 254 Racquet Club in Loresho, Nairobi, said Nellions Open had given her an opportunity to test her progress against fellow female players ahead of upcoming International Tennis Federation events.
She received a first-round bye before whitewashing Zipporah Ng'endo 6-0, 6-0. She followed that performance with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over seventh seed Tumelo Kimunya and a 6-3, 6-2 win against third seed Seline Ahoya.
She then beat Ouko 7-5, 6-2 to secure the title.
Yego benefited from the absence of Faith Urasa, winner of the inaugural edition, who did not enter this year's competition.
The teenager described Nellions Open as an important warm-up opportunity, noting that she was pleased with the level of her tennis while acknowledging that she still needed to reduce unforced errors.
The 2026 Nellions Open featured 26 players in the men's singles and 18 in the women's category. The Masters men's competition attracted 10 players aged 35 and above.
Nellions Chief Executive Officer Cosmas Kamuyu, who featured in the Masters Men category, congratulated the competitors and said the company was proud to support tennis through the corporate social responsibility initiative.
He observed that the standard of play had improved from last year's edition and urged organisers to collect feedback from participants to make future tournaments even better.
Parklands Sports Club sports convener Eliud Ngugi also praised the players, encouraging them to continue developing their talent and helping raise the standard of Kenyan tennis.
The tournament provided another platform for local players to compete, gain experience and build momentum as they pursue further success on the national and international stages.
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