Al-Qalam 
By Nabeelah Shaikh
In a spectacular display of talent and determination, teenage tennis sensations Amaan and Aadil Vally stole the show at the Racqueteers Tennis Club’s twelfth annual doubles tournament held recently at Westridge Stadium in Durban.
The Vally brothers, aged 19 and 17, emerged as the platinum winners of the tournament, which took place between 17-18 August, solidifying their status as rising stars in the South African tennis scene.
Hailing from Pretoria, the Vally siblings are no strangers to the tennis court. Both Amaan and Aadil have achieved Gauteng North provincial colours since they were just 12 years old, and have consistently ranked among the top players in the country over the years. Their passion for the sport runs deep, as tennis has long been a family tradition for them. The brothers’ grandfather, Ismail Joe Jeewa, was a passionate tennis player who took up the sport in the 1970s, setting the foundation for the family’s love of the game. The tradition continued with their uncle, who was talented enough to play tennis in the United States, where he spent six months honing his skills at a tennis camp.
The Vally brothers’ father, Reedwan Vally, also plays tennis, and their sisters have achieved provincial colours in the sport as well.
“Amaan is now playing for the Wits Tennis Team while pursuing his architecture studies at Wits University,” shared their proud father, Reedwan Vally.
He said Aadil, on the other hand, has been playing tennis since he could walk.
“He was a runner-up in the junior doubles when he was just 10 or 11 years old and has ranked in the top 50 in the country in the under-18 category,” said Vally.
Despite their many achievements, the journey has not been without its challenges.
Aadil was diagnosed with epilepsy last year, a major setback that could have easily derailed his promising tennis career. However, Aadil’s resilience and determination have seen him continue to excel on the court.
“He has since had three epilepsy attacks while playing, but it hasn’t deterred him from giving his best on the courts. He’s also a top academic achiever and wants to study medicine,” said Vally.
Amaan and Aadil have both experienced significant milestones in their tennis careers.
Last year, Amaan won the national Under-18 doubles title and was also ranked as the number-one player in his category. Aadil has been ranked in the top 20 in the country and continues to aim high, hoping to achieve an international ranking.
“Aadil has played in the International Tennis Federation tournaments, where he competed against participants from China and other countries in Southern Africa,” Vally said.
Determination
He said Aadil’s goal is to secure an international ranking, and he’s been working hard towards that. The recent tournament in Durban was another testament to the Vally brothers’ skill and determination. The competition was fierce, but the siblings managed to pull through.
“There were quite a few times when they were losing, but their willpower pulled them through,” said Vally, reflecting on their performance at the Racqueteers tournament.
The tournament itself was a resounding success, drawing players from all over the country and creating a vibrant atmosphere where families could enjoy high-quality tennis and socialise.
Mohamed Sacoor, a member of the Racqueteers Tennis Club, said the event was a testament to the growing passion for tennis among the youth.
“The level of tennis was very high, and the bar is being set higher each year. It was impressive to note that the youngsters performed exceptionally well this year,” Sacoor said.
The Racqueteers Tennis Club, an amateur club dedicated to promoting tennis and encouraging youth participation in the sport, has made significant strides in sharing its passion with the broader community.
The club’s mission is not only to promote tennis but also to foster health, well-being, and brotherhood among its members.
“Over the last few years, the club found it necessary to share our passion for tennis with the extended community,” added Sacoor, highlighting the club’s commitment to uplifting the game of tennis.
The tournament was sponsored by Lenmed Shifa Hospital and supported by several other organisations, including Ahmed Al-Kadi Hospital, Dr. Dawood Agjee and partners Anaesthetists, Expedient, Hibiscus Holdings, Gem Schoolwear, Ahmed Motala Pathologists, and Ampath Laboratories.
