Nahimana makes Burundian Grand Slam history
Sada Nahimana has made history by becoming the first Burundian player – man or woman – to feature at a Grand Slam.
The 24-year-old contested the opening round of US Open qualifying on Monday against France’s Manon Leonard, losing 6-3 6-4. However, her trailblazing status remains in place.
In May, Nahimana made history by becoming the first Burundian player to win a main draw match on the WTA Tour after defeating Morocco's Aya El Aouni in the first round at Grand Prix Sar La Princesse Lalla Meryem.
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That followed her lifting silverware at back-to-back W50 Bujumbura events on the ITF World Tennis Tour during March and early April, which were the joint-biggest titles of her career.
Sada’s story is a powerful one. Born and raised in Bujumbura, the 24-year-old previously took time out from the ITF World Tennis Tour event taking place in her hometown to show us around. The above video from a prior Instagram post shows the wall on which she learnt to play tennis.
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In many respects, Sada’s journey reflects the very purpose of the ITF: the provision of a pathway to rise from the wall in the video to realising her dreams of featuring on the sport’s biggest stages.
Sada has also received support along the way. This has been through an ITF Junior Player Grant, attendance of the ITF Regional Training Centre in Morocco and funding through the ITF-operated Grand Slam Player Development Programme.