South Africans Serve Up Strong Start at Curro Centre Court Series

Khololwam Montsi claimed the Men's Singles title with a 7-5, 6-4 victory. Photo Credit: Curro

Khololwam Montsi leads the local charge as the tournament records its biggest-ever South African player representation.

Durban, South Africa (08 July 2026) – The Curro Centre Court Series is off to a flying start, and South African tennis fans have already had plenty to celebrate after Khololwam Montsi headlined a memorable opening week at Curro Hillcrest.

Montsi walked away with the men’s singles title after edging compatriot Devin Badenhorst 7-5, 6-4 in an entertaining all-South African final, continuing what has become one of the tournament’s most exciting rivalries.

There was international success in the women’s draw, with Russia’s Polina Leykina claiming the title after defeating Switzerland’s Jenny Duerst 6-4, 6-4. Leykina’s all-round performance and attacking style made her one of the standout players of the week.

South Africa’s strong showing didn’t stop there. Marc van der Merwe partnered American Gray Voelzke to lift the men’s doubles trophy, while Donna le Roux and Morgan Jordaan finished as runners-up in the women’s doubles competition.

Off the court, there was another reason to celebrate. The tournament welcomed a record 45 South African players into the draw.

Local players also made their mark in the singles competition, with South Africans filling all four semi-final spots across the men’s and women’s draws. While Montsi and Badenhorst advanced to the men’s final, Isabella Kruger and Marie-Louise van Zyl narrowly missed out on booking their place in the women’s showpiece.

And the tennis action is only just warming up. With two more weeks of ITF competition still to come at Curro Hillcrest, there’s plenty more world-class tennis on the cards.