USA-based Lilitha Ndungane not thrown off by opening FISU defeat

Ndungane lost the first set 6-2 in the women’s singles section and was unable to bounce back in the second, eventually losing the match 6-2, 6-1 overall.

It’s not the ideal start, but one that Ndungane believes did at least help get rid of the butterflies as a debutant.

"I was a bit too nervous heading into the match. I'm representing my country and I want to do the best I can for the team.

"Unfortunately, it did not go my way today. We had long and tough rallies, but I found it difficult to convert a few vital points," explained the youngster. 

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The 19-year-old from the University of Arkansas has already assessed where she needs to improve for her next fixture later this week.

"I need to be more consistent with my first serve. My first serve percentage dropped, and my second serve struggled to get going too."

Ndungane feels she definitely had adequate preparation ahead of the FISU Games, she even scheduled a few games in South Africa.

"I played a few tournaments just before coming here, so that my match fitness would be at a good level. In South Africa, I also practiced against a few people with a diverse range of shots."

She adds that she’s proud to wear her national colours and is dreaming big with the hope of taking her tennis career to the next level.