'I loved the video of my dad looking proud': Nigeria's new tennis star
What a moment for such a proud African nation. For the first time in more than 30 years, Nigerians have seen one of their own compete at a Grand Slam after Oluwaseun Peter Ogunsakin contested the opening round of the Junior Championships, Wimbledon.
The last Nigerian to feature in the singles event at a Grand Slam, whether professional or junior, was Nduka Odizor at the 1990 US Open, but now there is a new name to conjure magical moments and inspire future generations.
The match did not go according to plan as he bowed out 3-6 6-3 5-7 to Great Britain's Oliver Page following an agonising finish as Ogunsakin at one stage served for the match. However, the 17-year-old still had the presence of mind to sign autographs and take selfies for a supportive crowd.
In any case, there is a bigger picture at play and Ogunsakin, who emerged through qualifying to take his place in the main draw of the boys’ event, knows it.
“It has been an amazing experience,” he said. “Being the first Nigerian player to play at a Grand Slam in a very long time, it is a huge honour for me, my family, my tennis academies and everyone who has supported me to this point.
“Coming through qualifying is a tough experience, there is so much pressure – a lot of stress and tension – but it was worth it. Being here means a lot and for people to see me on a big stage like this means a lot to them also. There are some memories that will last a lifetime.
“But it was important to enjoy myself out there. No matter the situation, whether I was up or down, I tried to smile through it and always believed I was capable. That is what I believe, there are no limitations to what you can achieve.”
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There was a wonderful video posted across World Tennis social media of the moment Oluwaseun’s proud father, Akinwunmi, found out his son had navigated qualifying and reached the Junior Championships main draw.
Akinwunmi introduced his son to tennis before he joined the African Regional Training Centre in Sousse, Tunisia – a performance hub for players aged 13-18. World Tennis financially supports this regional training project.
Earlier this year, Oluwaseun travelled to Europe as part of the World Tennis-operated Grand Slam Player Development Programme Touring Team – the B team, which is typically for players aged 17 and under.
He is back in Europe after using a portion of his 2026 Grand Slam Player Grant – distributed by World Tennis on behalf of the four Grand Slams – to fund his travel to compete at J300 Roehampton and now Junior Championships qualifying. It is quite the story.
“I loved seeing that video”, she added. “My dad has put so much work into getting me to where I am today – it meant a lot. To see me achieve something like this really shows him that his work has paid off. I’m just trying to do my best and make people proud.
“This has been a big privilege for me, to represent Nigeria. A lot of people have supported me and pushed me, and it means so much. There have been a lot of people involved in getting me to where I am. I am happy and looking forward to more.”
The 2024 World Tennis Global Tennis Report noted a shift in the sport’s landscape with a surge of players and competitive depth coming from previously underrepresented nations and regions.
The report also charted significant growth in participation and emerging talent across Asia, the Americas and Africa. Hopefully the appearance of players such as Ogunsakin at Grand Slams will become the norm rather than the exception. He certainly thinks so.
“In the next few years, I want to be in the pro draw and competing for it,” he said. “I know it’s achievable. Those who have won it do not have extra limbs. It is achievable. I will go back and work harder and hopefully see you guys in a few years.”
We look forward to seeing you soon.