Clay debut delivers Bezuidenhout’s first world tour title
For the first time in her career, Namibia’s Joanivia Bezuidenhout has finally reached the podium at a World Tennis (formerly International Tennis Federation) event, claiming the doubles title at J30 Lusaka in what was also her first time playing on a clay surface.
A J30 is a grade of the global junior tennis circuit, with “J” standing for junior and the number indicating the ranking-points level awarded to the winners at World Tennis Tour Juniors events.
The country’s reigning Women Masters champion teamed up with Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Tom for the Zambian event at Lusaka Club, which also marked the host nation’s first World Tennis Tour event since 2003.
The pair entered the doubles event as top seeds and received a bye in the first round. Their first match saw them dispatch Zimbabwe’s Beaulah Kaseke and Ariddia Musuamba of the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-0, 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals.
In the last four, Bezuidenhout and Tom survived a second-set setback against fourth-seeded Indians Mariya Patel and Swasti Singh, who took the second set 6-2 to force a deciding match tiebreak.
The eventual winners held their nerve to seal a 7-5, 2-6, [10-1] victory and book their place in the final.
The title match against Zambia’s twin pairing of Christabel and Isabel Chisongo proved to be another composed outing for the first-time doubles pair, as they won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.
Bezuidenhout welcomed her first global junior circuit title, admitting she was stunned that it came on a surface she had never played on before.
“It’s shocking [and funny at the same time because] I play and train on hard court, but a great way to get my first title.
“It was really special for me because I’ve been working so hard on court with my tactical coach, Kendall Swartz, and my dad [Jandre] along the side,” she said.
“My family and I have been sacrificing a lot, so I was truly proud of myself and the way I played in the doubles.”
Clay-court partner
Her doubles partner Tom has enjoyed strong success on clay, most recently during the Lusaka swing, where she claimed two singles titles before capping it off with a doubles title alongside Bezuidenhout.
The Namibian rising prospect, who had come close to a title a few times before, admitted that partnering Tom gave her a strong push.
“I had a great partner [in Tom]. From the get-go, we had our eyes set on the title. We were a strong and compatible team, which really helps a lot in doubles. I believe it was our confidence and determination that led us to the title,” she noted.
She further added that Tom’s “great run” in the first weeks, where she picked up a singles double, motivated her to do well.
“What I love about her is her fearlessness. She’s a go-getter, smart on court [with a very aggressive playing style]. She was very supportive, and we had each other’s backs throughout all our matches.”
The title has undoubtedly raised Bezuidenhout’s confidence, capping off the first half of her season, which has taken her to Mozambique, Botswana, home in Windhoek, South Africa and now Zambia.
“This title made me hungry for more success. The feeling I got was just pure joy and pride when I went to receive the trophy. I definitely want to experience it again.
“Zambia did a great job hosting their first ITF [International Tennis Federation] in 23 years. It was a great atmosphere to play in, and the people really made that win special for me,” she remarked.
Tough singles outing on clay
Bezuidenhout debuted on a surface widely regarded as one of the most difficult to master because of its slower pace, higher bounce, longer rallies and the specialised footwork and sliding it demands.
Those qualities, she admitted, caused her to struggle at the event, especially in singles, where she endured a difficult outing and won only one of three matches.
“The balls travelled slower in the air but bounced very high and fast, which caused me to struggle with adapting to the courts in the first two days because I only had 30 minutes to prepare the day before my first match,” she said.
Bezuidenhout later found her rhythm on clay and indicated: “I would definitely love to play on clay again. It’s so fun and different to what I’m used to.”
Her sights now shift to her next test on hard court in Botswana, where she is poised to represent Namibia for the fourth time at the Billie Jean King Cup (BJK Cup) Africa Group Three tournament, from 13 to 18 July in Gaborone.
“I’m really excited for that as we’ll be competing against a lot of competitive players from different countries. I can’t wait to fight and show my hunger on the court,” she assured.
At 14, Bezuidenhout was reported as the youngest African player to compete at the BJK Cup, regarded as the women’s World Cup of Tennis, when she debuted for Namibia in Kenya at the Africa Group Three tournament in 2023.
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