HARARE - United States-based tennis ace Takanyi Garanganga says the upcoming Twenty Third Century Systems ITF Futures tournament provides another opportunity to further his career.

The 480 ATP ranked star, who aspires to one day play on the ATP World Tour, will be competing in his first professional tournament on home soil when he takes to the court tomorrow.

The ITF tournament features both local and international players.

Speaking during a press conference at Harare Sports Club yesterday, Garanganga took the opportunity to apologise to the nation for withdrawing from Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup team.

The Davis Cup side had to make do without the ace in their failed quest to gain promotion into the Africa Zone Group Two in July this year.

“It was due to poor management from my former team and myself, I take full responsibility for not being able to show up,” the All-Africa Games gold medallist said.

“I’m at point where I’m trying to make it on the ATP World Tour, so my schedule gets hectic. I had given enough time for people to know,” he said.

Garanganga is in the main draw together with fellow countryman Mark Fynn, who is ranked 1 236 on the ATP world rankings as well as Spain-based Tino Chanakira who gets in with a wild card.

“It’s great. It’s always good to be home besides being in the tournament,” the former African junior champion said.

“Playing the tournament is another opportunity for me to get to the goals I have set for myself in future,” he added.

Korea’s Suk-Young Jeong, ranked 368 on the ATP world rankings, is the highest ranked player to grace the $10 000 tournament.

The unranked duo of Simbarashe Mtetwa and Muzingaye Sibanda complete the Zimbabwean representatives.