Rhine-Ruhr, Germany – July 27, 2025
Day 2 of the 2025 Rhine-Ruhr World University Games saw South Africa’s tennis team return to the courts with renewed focus after a challenging opening day. With Jason Fogle and Damien Nezar taking part in the Men’s Doubles, and Carl Roothman competing in the Men’s Singles, the South African contingent ended the day with one win and one loss—but, most importantly, recorded their first tennis victory of the Games.
Doubles Struggles Despite Second Set Fightback
In the Men’s Doubles, Fogle and Nezar faced off against Switzerland’s pairing of Dylan Dietrich and Luca Staheli. The South Africans struggled to find early momentum, dropping the first set 1-6. Much of the pressure stemmed from a low first serve percentage—just 39% compared to the Swiss team’s 71%—which left them vulnerable on second serves and gave the Swiss multiple opportunities to counter-attack.
Regrouping in the second set, Fogle and Nezar raised their first serve percentage to a much-improved 71%, showing greater composure and consistency. However, their difficulty in breaking the Swiss serve remained an issue, converting just 23% of points when receiving. The Swiss capitalised on key break-point chances and edged the second set 6-4, sealing the straight-sets win.
Roothman Breaks Through with Commanding Singles Victory
There was reason to celebrate later in the day, as Carl Roothman delivered South Africa’s first tennis win of the Games with a dominant performance in the Men’s Singles. Facing Frank Tayebwa of Uganda, Roothman controlled the tempo from the outset, winning in emphatic fashion 6-1, 6-0.
Currently competing in the U.S. collegiate tennis circuit, Roothman brought experience and precision to the court, outscoring his opponent 61 to 32 total points. His powerful groundstrokes and strategic play left little opportunity for Tayebwa to respond, making for a confident and composed debut.
With this win, Roothman advanced to the Round of 64, where a significantly tougher challenge awaited him the following day in the form of 4th seed Egor Agafonov, who was competing as an Independent Athlete.
Looking Ahead: Full Slate for SA Tennis on Day 3
Day 3 promised to be a busy one for South African tennis, with Delien Kleinhans set to begin her singles campaign and the women’s doubles team of Erine Lategan and Lilitha Ndungane also scheduled to take the court.
With momentum now on their side, South Africa’s tennis squad looked to carry the confidence from Roothman’s win into the next round of fixtures.
Stay with us as we continue our daily reflections from Rhine-Ruhr, capturing every moment of Team South Africa’s journey.
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African World University Games News:
Day 2 Recap – South Africa’s Épée Trio Show Resilience in Gruelling Fencing Bouts
Day 2 Recap – Brammer and Morrison in Women’s Synchronised Springboard Final.
