Etoro Bassey Sets Grand Slam Target After Retaining Akwa Ibom Sports Festival Tennis Gold
Akwa Ibom tennis star Etoro Bassey has set her sights on competing at the Grand Slam tournaments after successfully defending her Senior Girls Singles title at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.
The Etinan Local Government Area athlete also won gold in the Mixed Doubles event, continuing her impressive run in tennis competitions.
Following her latest success, Etoro said her ambition is to rise to the highest level of international tennis and compete at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
“Honestly, I expect more from myself as well. I hope to go higher, play the Grand Slams. I’m aiming for Serena and Venus’ level. I hope to play the Grand Slam — US Open, Australian Open, French Open and a lot more. So I am rooting for myself as well. I hope to go higher,” she said in an interview with Johnson Paul Bassey.
Etoro said she could not remember the exact number of gold medals she has won in her career.
“I cannot number the gold medals I’ve won. In particular, I don’t really know the total number, but I just know that it’s a lot,” she said.
The defending champion noted that this year’s festival was more competitive, with more players arriving better prepared.
“I think this year people were more prepared than last year. Last year was like a surprise, but this year people were more prepared and we had a lot of players that competed also,” she said.
The CBN Open Tennis Champion also praised her opponent, Favour James, for her improvement and growing confidence.
“I think Favour is playing very well. Her confidence is okay. She’s hitting the balls compared to last time. She’s also moving a lot as well. I think she’s doing good,” Etoro said.
The tennis star thanked Governor Umo Bassey Eno and Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey for creating opportunities for athletes to compete and gain experience.
She also credited her coach for his dedication, saying his hard work is beginning to produce results as the team continues to perform well in tournaments.
With another Sports Festival gold medal secured, Etoro is now looking beyond Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, with the Grand Slam stage firmly in her sights.
