The Zambia Tennis Association (ZTA) has called for increased corporate and government support to expand international tennis opportunities for local players.

ZTA Secretary General Joe Siame said greater investment and collaboration with the Ministry of Sport would help Zambia host more international tournaments and expose local players to higher levels of competition.

“We need support from cooperating partners and the corporate world to host such events, as well as greater collaboration with the Ministry of Sport,” Siame said.

The call comes after Isabel and Christabel Chisongo defeated Botswana’s Kelebogile Monnayoo and Zambia’s Natasha Chewe 7-5, 6-7(6), 10-5 to retain their doubles title at the Mika International Tennis Championships in Lusaka.

Christabel also won the singles title after defeating Monnayoo in the final.

Isabel said the doubles victory reflected her progress and the work she was doing with her team.

“Doubles helps me improve my net game, my returns and my communication on court. It gives me confidence, helps my ranking and shows that the work I am doing with my team is paying off,” she said.

Meanwhile, Christabel said competing in doubles helped her develop teamwork, concentration under pressure and tactical skills, which also benefited her singles performance.