FASU 2024: LASU falls short as AUC wins three-set Tennis Mixed Doubles battle
(LAGOS) – Tennis activities at the 11th All Africa University Games (FASU 2024) reached a climax on Thursday evening.
The last match on the day’s event list was the mixed doubles final. American University in Cairo (AUC) emerged victorious against Lagos State University (LASU) in a 7-6, 4-6, 10-8 three-set match.
Representing AUC were Fatalah Kareem and Talia Ami, both medalists in the Men and Women’s singles. On the other side of the court, the gold medal charge for LASU was led by Joseph Fortune and Bamidele Abosede.
The first set began with LASU dominating the proceedings. With the AUC pair struggling to deal with Joseph Fortune’s aggressive baseline shots and volleys, LASU raced to an emphatic 5-2 lead.
As the match continued, it appeared they would close out the first set. However, Joseph Fortune, the standout player on the court, ironically flunked a critical shot, handing the Egyptians a lifeline.
This moment damaged the gold medal chances of LASU and defined the match. They failed to grab the opportunity to win the set and paid dearly for it.
Capitalizing on the opportunity, the AUC duo staged a massive comeback to win the first set 7-6.
The second set began with LASU showing their determination to get back into the game. Their resolve paid off, and they resurrected their gold medal chances, winning the second set 6-4.
With the match leveled at one set apiece, there was a need for a third-set super tiebreak to decide the encounter.
Both teams returned to the court for the third set. Realizing this was a set where every point mattered, the players gave their all on the court.
In the end, it was AUC’s experience and technical superiority that made the difference. They held firm under pressure and utilized their opponents’ unforced errors to grind out a 10-8 third-set win, confirming their place as Tennis Mixed Doubles Gold medalists in the 11th All Africa University Games.
