The inaugural National PAD Open, sponsored by the Port Authority of Douala (PAD), reached its climax on April 4, 2026, at the Oyebog Tennis Academy (OTA) complex in Kake Souza. Etienne Teboh and Charnelle Fozo were crowned champions of this first edition, marking a new chapter in Cameroonian tennis.
Etienne Teboh won the men's final against Valentin Okala in a hard-fought match that went to three sets (5/7, 6/4, 6/2). After a difficult start, Teboh managed to draw on his physical and mental resources to turn the tide. "It wasn't easy at the beginning. My opponent was making me run everywhere. I wondered if I would last until the end of the match. Afterwards, aware of my good physical condition, I decided to hang on," he said. Teboh attributes his victory to his constant training and confidence in his abilities.
In the women's final, Charnelle Fozo dominated Atanah Beracah in two quick sets (6-3, 6-0). Fozo explained her strategy: "I moved my opponent because she doesn't know how to run on areas like the one we played on. When I found the advantage, I went up to the volley to finish the point so that the match wouldn't last,".
Valentin Okala, despite his defeat, acknowledged his opponent's superiority and stressed the importance of experience in this type of match. "I'm a bit disappointed, but happy to have improved some aspects of my game. I've already played several finals against my opponent today. I always tell myself that next time will be the right one. Despite this, I lose despite the efforts I make," he said.
The Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Dibouha, honored the finals with his presence, stressing the importance of perpetuating the work of Joseph Oyebog, the founder of OTA. "I would like to place these finals under the perspective of the continuity of Joseph Oyebog's work on this space of Souza... And it is our duty to perpetuate this work that he started," he declared.
The National PAD Open brought together 85 athletes, including 29 women, demonstrating the enthusiasm for tennis in Cameroon. This tournament, supported by the Port Authority of Douala, is a major event for the development of tennis in the country.
The event took place from March 30 to April 4, 2026.
