👧 Tanaka Mhlanga | Tennis Papers interview, October 2025

“My dream is to become a professional tennis player.”

Meet Tanaka Mhlanga, Zimbabwean girl junior tennis player who lives in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and competing in U16 tennis category.
Tanaka is ranked in the top 5 in Zimbabwe in her category and competes in international CAT tournaments.

(Information gathered via an exclusive interview by Tennis Papers).

📘 Tanaka Mhlanga | Biography, October 2025

🌄 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

🏛️ Known as the City of Kings, Bulawayo blends rich history, culture, and architecture with a calm, welcoming vibe.
🌳 Close to the stunning Matobo Hills, it’s a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and ancient rock art.
🎨 With its museums, art, and music, the city celebrates Zimbabwe’s creative spirit.
💛 Bulawayo is a place of pride, warmth, and timeless African beauty!

🎙️Tanaka Mhlanga | Interview, October 2025

Hello, introduce yourself please.
My name is Tanaka Mhlanga, I am 15 years old ans I was born on April 9, 2010.
I’m Zimbabwean and I live in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

What languages ​​do you speak?
I speak English and Shona.

At what age did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis at the age of 7.

Are there other tennis players in your family?
No there aren’t any other tennis players in my family.

In which club do you train tennis?
I train at Bulawayo Athletics Club.

Who is your tennis coach?
My coach is Coach Thesly.

What is your weekly training routine?
I normally train after school around 1 pm and I sometimes train in the morning before school during weekdays.
Saturdays I mostly play practice matches.

As an athlete, what is your greatest quality and what do you need to improve?
My greatest quality is my backhand and I need to improve my forehand.

What is your junior tennis category and your national tennis ranking?
My junior category is U16 and my national ranking is #4.

What has been your greatest achievement?
Winning all the local tournaments one after the other.

In which countries have you already participated in tennis tournaments?
I’ve played in South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Morocco.

Do you have any sponsors?
No I don’t.

What is your goal for 2026?
To reach semi-finals in an ITF tournament.

What is your tennis dream?
My dream is to become a professional tennis player.

Who are your favorite tennis players?
Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner.

What do you like to do outside of tennis?
To read or hang out with friends.

To which people would you like to dedicate this interview?
To oung and talented players out there in the world who are pursuing their dream of being good tennis players.

Thanks a lot Tanaka!
Tennis Papers wishes you the best in your tennis life 💜🩷