Ogunsakin Ends 35-Year Nigerian Grand Slam Wait At US Open Junior

Nigeria’s Seun Ogunsakin has ended a 35-year wait for a Grand Slam singles victory by a Nigerian player after making history at the US Open Junior Championships in New York.

The teenager became the first Nigerian since tennis legend Nduka Odizor in 1990 to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match, according to the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF).

Odizor last achieved the feat at the 1990 Australian Open, meaning Ogunsakin’s breakthrough brings an end to a remarkable 35-year drought for Nigerian tennis on the Grand Slam stage.

Ogunsakin’s achievement is also notable within the wider African junior game, as he is among the continent’s next generation of players competing in the US Open Junior Championships.

The NTF said three boys from African nations reached the junior main draw at the US Open for the first time since 2003, further highlighting the significance of Ogunsakin’s appearance and victory.

NTF president Victor Ochei hailed the youngster’s performance, describing it as evidence of the impact of the federation’s focus on grassroots development and greater international exposure for young players.

“This is another monumental feat since we assumed office,” Ochei said.

“After our historic records in the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, Ogunsakin has done it again. He has ended a 35-year wait since our legend Nduka Odizor.

“This is not luck, this is the result of deliberate work, of believing in our young talents and giving them a platform.”

Ochei congratulated Ogunsakin on what he described as a landmark achievement and expressed confidence that the teenager could inspire a new generation of Nigerian players.

“On behalf of the Board of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, I congratulate Ogunsakin for his courage, discipline and brilliance,” he said.

“He has shown that Nigerian tennis is back on the global map. This is what we promised – to take tennis from the streets of Nigeria to the centre court of the world. And we are just starting.”

The NTF said its administration has prioritised junior development, international exposure and private-sector partnerships as part of efforts to rebuild the sport from the grassroots.

The federation also pointed to support for national competitions, including the DAVNOTCH Open, as part of its strategy to identify and nurture players capable of competing at the highest level.

Ogunsakin’s breakthrough represents a major moment for Nigerian tennis, which has struggled to produce players capable of making a sustained impact on the global Grand Slam circuit.

The NTF president dedicated the youngster’s achievement to aspiring players across the country, urging them to regard Ogunsakin’s progress as proof that competing at Grand Slam level is an attainable goal.

With his historic first-round victory secured, Ogunsakin is expected to continue his campaign in the US Open Junior Championships as he bids to extend his remarkable run in New York.

For Nigerian tennis, however, his victory has already delivered a significant milestone – the country’s first Grand Slam main-draw singles win in 35 years.