Day 4 World University Games Recap – Essen, Germany- 20 July 2025
Team South Africa’s mixed doubles pairing of Delien Kleinhans and Carl Roothman produced a spirited performance but fell agonisingly short in a deciding super tight final set against Japan’s Natsuki Yoshimoto and Jay Dylan Hara Friend in the Round of 32.
Match Overview
The South African duo started on the back foot, with Japan edging the opening set 6–4 through sharp returning and clinical break-point conversions. Refusing to bow out quietly, Kleinhans and Roothman struck back in the second set, raising their intensity on serve and return to claim it 6–3 and level the contest.
With everything to play for, the encounter came down to a tense third-set super tie-break. Despite South Africa’s consistency on serve and some clutch play under pressure, Japan held their nerve to clinch the decider 10–8, sealing a narrow 2–1 victory.
Key Statistics
South Africa matched Japan point-for-point across the contest, finishing with 65 total points won to Japan’s 63. Kleinhans and Roothman’s serving accuracy was a strong feature, landing 66% of first serves compared to Japan’s 65%, while also winning a higher percentage of points behind their second serve (82% vs 73%).
However, Japan’s edge came in critical moments. Yoshimoto and Friend converted 57% of their break points (4/7), while South Africa managed just 27% (4/15), a factor that ultimately tipped the balance in the final set.
Fighting Spirit Despite Defeat
Although the result did not swing their way, Team South Africa can take plenty of positives from their performance. Their ability to recover from a set down and push the match deep.
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African World University Games News:
Day 4 Diving Recap – Heydra Leads the Charge for Team SA in Women’s 3m Springboard
Day 3 Recap – Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games (3×3 Basketball)
Day 3 Recap – First Medals and Another FISU Record for Team SA in the Pool
