Big Move for Angella Okutoyi as Kenyan Tennis Star Relocates to London
Share
Kenya’s most decorated tennis star, Angella Okutoyi, has relocated to the United Kingdom to begin the next chapter of her professional career.
Okutoyi moved to London at the end of June and is now based there as she pursues her ambitions on the international tennis circuit.
From this base in the UK capital, the 22-year-old will now continue to develop her game and focus on competing on the world’s elite stage.
Okutoyi is Kenya’s first and only Grand Slam champion, having won the Wimbledon Girls’ Doubles crown in 2022 alongside her partner Rose Marie Nijlkamp (NED), beating Canadians Kayla Cross and Victoria Mboko 3-6 6-4 11-9.
She became the first Kenyan woman in 46 years to claim Singles Gold at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations games.
She completed her studies at Auburn University in May 2026 and now dedicates herself to the professional circuit.
“I had a wonderful time at college, made some great friends, earned my degree, and improved my game substantially. Now I feel fully ready to take on the big world of professional tennis, although I know the challenges ahead of me,” Okutoyi said.
Also Read: Prof Olive Mugenda Among Those Summoned Over Alleged Ksh 6.2 Billion Fund Misuse
Angela’s Training, Coaching, and Upcoming Tournaments
The southwest London-based player will practice in high-class facilities with the former Zimbabwe stars Wayne Black, Cara Black, and Brett Stephens.
Wayne and Cara have combined for 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, including at Wimbledon and the French Open, while Cara was for many years the world number one in doubles.
Wayne reached World number four in singles, and Brett was an assistant coach for Pete Sampras, a 14-times Grand Slam winner.
Okutoyi will play in Aschaffenburg, Germany, on the immediately upcoming schedule, to defend her 2025 Doubles title with teammate Rasheeda McAdoo of the USA.
Following that, she will play four tournaments in the UK over five weeks.
During her time at Auburn, Okutoyi and Merna Refaat of Egypt earned ITA Doubles All-American status for the 2025-2026 year, concluding the spring as the seventh-ranked doubles duo with a 19-4 spring record.
Also Read: High Court Declares Parts of Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act Unconstitutional
Okutoyi’s Professional Transition Support and Athletic Goals
Okutoyi’s transition receives financial backing from several partners:
- Swiss bank Syz provides financial support for her professional transition.
- Sportswear brand On, through its Africa office, supplies footwear and apparel.
- Japanese brand Yonex supplies rackets.
- Deloitte provides additional support.
- Pan-African law firm Bowmans provides legal backing.
- Performance Medicine supports her training and recovery.
- DeLyde Associates, DBA Africa, and Creative Edge also back her transition.
Her short-term goal is to get into the top echelons of the sport, which will allow her to participate in the four Major events in the 2027 calendar year:
- The Australian Open.
- French Open.
- Wimbledon and the US Open.
She also aims to successfully defend her AFCON Gold Medal, to be staged in Egypt in January 2027, and qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is top on her priority list to become the first Kenyan to feature in tennis at the Summer Olympics.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.
Kenya’s Angella Okutoyi loads up on a forehand during training. PHOTO/Courtesy