Okutoyi: Why I look up to Serena, Kipyegon, Omanyala

Kenyan tennis star Angela Okutoyi has expressed her admiration for former American professional tennis player Serena Williams, terming her as a source of inspiration.

Okutoyi, the first Kenyan to secure a Grand Slam title at the girls’ juniors Wimbledon event while partnering with Rose Marie Nijkamp, made history again in the 2022 Australian Open as the first representative of Kenya to win a girls’ junior singles Grand Slam match.

Okutoyi-Serena

She attributes her admiration for Serena to the player’s remarkable fighting spirit, a quality Okutoyi identifies with in her own style of play.

Okutoyi describes herself as an aggressive baseliner with resilience on the court, a trait she shares with Serena.

“When she [Serena] was still playing, her fighting spirit was so good. I believe my game style is like hers, an aggressive baseliner. And she’s a fighter, and I’m a fighter on court, and I have the willingness to do more, and I believe she does. She inspires me a lot,” Okutoyi shared with Olympics.co.ke.

On a local level, Okutoyi draws inspiration from other athletes. She highlights Faith Kipyegon, commending her for breaking records while being a mother.

Okutoyi admires Omanyala’s spirit

She also admires the dedication, humility, and fighting spirit of sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala.

“And Faith Kipyegon, she broke two records as a mother, and that’s really a good thing because it gives me that motivation and courage. And Ferdinand Omanyala, I like how he’s dedicated and humble. He just fights,” Okutoyi added.

On the ITF Circuit, she has won two singles and three doubles titles. Playing for Kenya Billie Jean King Cup team, Okutoyi has a win/loss record of 11–5