Local Coaching Connection Adds South African Flavour to Rise Irene Open Triumph

Latvian Robert Strombachs and Frenchman Constantin Bittoun Kouzmine claimed the inaugural doubles crown, with a South African coach playing a key role in the success story.

Pretoria, South Africa (01 June 2026) – The first-ever Rise Irene Open doubles title may have gone to an international pairing, but there was still a strong South African connection behind the celebrations.

Latvia’s Robert Strombachs and France’s Constantin Bittoun Kouzmine were crowned the inaugural doubles champions on Saturday after defeating Turkish duo Mert Alkaya and Arda Azkara 6-4, 6-4 in the final at Irene Country Club in Centurion.

While the title was an international success story, it also carried a proudly local flavour. Strombachs is coached by South African Cobus van Wyk, who hails from the Free State, making the victory a special moment for the South African coach and his team.

The Latvian and French pairing produced another composed performance in the final, capping off an impressive week in which they consistently found answers against quality opposition to lift the tournament’s first trophy.

Strombachs later acknowledged the role his South African coaching setup has played in his development, describing the title as a rewarding achievement for everyone involved in the journey.

The doubles final also marked an important milestone for the Rise Irene Open, the first of four ATP Challenger tournaments scheduled to be hosted in South Africa this year. The event has already attracted a strong international field, giving local fans the opportunity to watch world-class tennis on home soil.

Tournament director John-Laffnie de Jager said the result perfectly reflected what the tournament hopes to achieve.

“The Rise Irene Open was created to give South African tennis fans access to world-class competition, and this doubles final delivered exactly that.”

With the doubles champions now crowned, attention turns to the singles final, where another chapter in the inaugural Rise Irene Open will be written.

 

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Sources: Supplied 

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by Karabo Peter

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