The tournament was spearheaded by Preba Greenstreet, owner of Mansa Gold and founder of the APL initiative. Through her vision, the tournament continues to provide a dedicated platform for female tennis players in Ghana to compete, develop, and gain recognition in the sport.
Played entirely on clay courts, the tournament began with the preliminary rounds at the Accra Lawn Tennis Club, where players battled through the early stages of the draw. The competition then moved to Backyard Club for the semi-finals and finals, where the remaining contenders competed for the championship title.
The tournament set a precident for leadership by women, as all of its major sponsors were women-owned and women-led businesses. True to the theme of this year's IWD celebration "Give to Gain", the organising officials were all women. The tournament also holds the record for the most rewarding women's tournament in Ghanaian tennis history with major sponsors like KLM, Mansa Gold, Pippa's Fitness, Buka Restaurant, Acrylix and so many other distinguished women owned and led businesses.
This year’s event also welcomed international participation, with two players from Ivory Coast gracing the tournament. One of them, Coulibaly Sadjo, went on to claim the title after an impressive run through the draw.
In the final, Sadjo faced local favourite Philippina Sewornu in a match that showcased both skill and determination. Although the Ivorian eventually secured the title with a 6–1, 6–3 victory, Sewornu demonstrated grit and unexpected tenacity throughout the contest, earning the admiration of spectators for her fighting spirit. 13-year-old Hellen Adjei also stole the show in the quarters, putting up a fight against, one of the eventual semi-finalists, Kouame Jauress of Ivory Coast, earning her the special award for most tenacious player of the tournament.
Following her victory, Sadjo expressed appreciation to the organisers and praised the warm reception she and her compatriot received during the tournament. She also highlighted the strong level of tennis displayed by Ghanaian players, noting that the visiting athletes felt welcomed and at home throughout their stay in Ghana.
Beyond the competition itself, the APL tournament carried additional significance as it coincided with celebrations of International Women’s Day. The theme for this year’s edition, “Give to Gain,”underscored the importance of investing in women and girls in sport as a means of creating broader opportunities and long-term development.
By providing female athletes with a platform to compete, grow, and gain recognition, the APL initiative continues to embody the spirit of that theme. The tournament not only crowned a champion but also strengthened the visibility and future prospects of women’s tennis in Ghana.
The APL tournament stands as a powerful reminder that continued investment and support for women’s sport will help elevate the game and inspire the next generation of players.
