Angella Okutoyi: Kenyan not giving up on Olympic tennis dream – BBC Sport

Okutoyi’s appeal to the ITF comes after two high-profile women’s players withdrew from the Games because of concerns over their workload.

Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, the world number 10, and world number three Aryna Sabalenka will not compete in Paris in order to prioritise their health.

The BBC has contacted the ITF to see when a decision will be made on Okutoyi’s appeal but, until an announcement is made, she is still dreaming of rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s greatest athletes at the Olympics.

“It’s just a unique event where you travel with your team-mates and get to be surrounded by the greats from each different field,” she said.

“That’s something you never get to see or be around.

“So I’d just be happy to see myself at the Olympics and represent my country.”

She has proved inspirational for sportsmen and women across the continent, not only because of her achievements on court, but also for her struggles off it.

“My life growing up wasn’t easy,” she said.

“I come from a humble background and we didn’t have much. Some days I used to train without eating and only have a cup of water at night.

“My grandmother didn’t have much, but she wanted to take care of us. She loved us. She used to work as a cleaner at the school, that’s where we used to live.

“She had to take care of five kids and she wasn’t earning that much. But she had to take care of all of us, paying our school fees, feeding, all of that.

“And it would definitely mean a lot for my grandmother to see me at the Olympic Games.”

Okutoyi hopes that if her appeal to the ITF is successful, playing at an Olympics will show that tennis is a sport for all, not just the elite.

“It’s definitely going to change this perspective of people that tennis is for the rich,” she said.

“I didn’t come from that background and I’m able to play at the highest level and [possibly] be at the Olympics.

“I’m always happy to inspire the young kids. Because if you now come to Kenya and see the kids who are playing, there are people who don’t have money, and it’s just nice to see.

“People who come from humble backgrounds, they want to do it and they know that it’s going to take them somewhere.

“Them seeing me playing and wherever it’s taking me, it motivates them.”

After winning her Wimbledon title two years ago, Angella decided to go through the American collegiate system rather than turning professional and joined Alabama-based Auburn University.

“I wasn’t financially stable. So I just thought college was the right path for me. And it’s going to develop my tennis even more.”

And Okutoyi has this message for the 23-times Grand Slam champion.

“You really inspired me and you’re the reason why I still keep playing tennis,” she said.

“You’ve shown that your background doesn’t determine where you’re going to go.

“You’re a fighter and fearless on the court. You mean so much to me and also to Africa. You inspire African tennis players a lot.

“There are so many words to describe you. But all in all, you’re the great, and we all want to be like you one day.

“Thank you for inspiring me and everyone in Africa and in Kenya.”