Oringa beats American, qualifies for main draw

David Oringa will be in the main draw of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Futures tournament that starts today in Burundi. The 19-year-old Ugandan made it to the last 32 of the singles after beating American Dustin Goldenberg in straight sets 6-3 7-5 in the qualifying draw on Saturday.

“A tough level (main draw) and I have to work harder,” Oringa said on phone ahead of the crucial stage starting today. Oringa’s win over the more experienced American should inspire him going forward. While this is Oringa’s first ITF senior circuit, Goldenberg had been in the tournament before.

He lost to homeboy Michelevitz Guy 6-2 5-7 3-6 at the last 32 stage in the Israel Futures in May. The 22-year-old had also earlier played in two Future events back home.

“Many of these players are experienced but I have put most of my concentration on playing the best tennis,” Oringa (pictured) added. From Burundi, Oringa will go to Kigali for the second and third legs of the Futures before returning to Bujumbura.