Kenyan tennis stars Angella Okutoyi and Kael Shah are on the verge of making history at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany after reaching the final of the Mixed Doubles competition. The dynamic pair delivered a powerful performance in the semi-finals, defeating the Portuguese duo of Garcia De Liborio and Pedro Araujo in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3.
Their well-coordinated teamwork and relentless energy on court proved too much for the fourth-seeded Portuguese team, who came into the match as favourites. Okutoyi and Shah held their nerve in a tightly contested first set, eventually clinching it in a tiebreak before asserting their dominance in the second to seal their place in the final.
In the title clash, the Kenyans will face Japan’s Natsuki Yoshimoto and Dylan Friend. The Japanese pair pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by dismantling the top-seeded Czech team of Karolina Kubanova and Jan Jermar with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory in the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for Friday at 11 am EAT and promises to be a thrilling showdown.
For Okutoyi and Shah, this final represents not only a shot at gold but also a chance to cap off their campaign on a high note after both experienced early exits in the singles categories. Shah bowed out in the opening round of the Men’s Singles, losing 6-3, 6-2 to Italy’s Fabio De Michele. Meanwhile, Okutoyi, seeded ninth, made it to the Round of 16 in the Women’s Singles before being edged out 6-3, 6-4 by India’s Adkar Vaishnavi.
Their mixed doubles journey, however, has been nothing short of inspirational. They’ve showcased chemistry, strategic play, and resilience, qualities that have carried them through a tough draw and into the championship match.
As anticipation builds back home, Kenyan fans are hopeful that Okutoyi and Shah can deliver a landmark victory and bring home gold. A win would not only boost Kenya’s medal tally but also solidify the nation’s rising status in international university-level tennis.
