There was a bit of joy at the headquarters of the South African Tennis Association at the weekend as Wesley Moodie, the Durban-born star, lifted his first-ever title on the ATP Tour.
The former Pinetown Boys High student beat Croatia's Mario Ancic 1-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 to pocket $118 000 (about R800 000) for his efforts.
Earlier this year he won the Wimbledon doubles crown and also reached the semifinals twice at Delray Beach and Newport.
One of the first to praise Moodie's efforts was Kevin Curren, the former world Top-10 star who has been playing the over-45 doubles events at the "Majors" and winning them with ease with his partner Johan Kriek.
Curren said: "This is fabulous news for South African tennis. Things have been quiet in SA tennis in recent months and Wesley's success in Japan has brought a lot of joy not only to me but to all those connected with the game in the country."
Curren, who was the South African Davis Cup coach and non-playing captain for the past five years, has always had confidence in Moodie's ability and was one of those who pushed the 26-year-old to "up" his game on the international circuit.
"I've always had confident in Wesley's ability," Curren said. "He's the type of player who can get to the top and as South Africans we should be proud of his efforts.
"Beating two players in the Top 20 is a great feat. I believe that Wesley will go a long way and he could be in the Top 30 in the singles and Top 10 in the doubles.
"He's had an incredible year - losing some very close games and beating some of the top-ranked players in the world."
Curren attributes his recent success to the fact that Moodie has employed a specialist to assist him with his skills on the game and that in the past 18 months the Durban-born star has come bursting through.
The former South African Davis Cup coach believes that his win over Ancic will boost Moodie's confidence and that he hopes to see him get better as his career continues.
Curren said: "Wesley is a super kid who comes from very humble beginnings.
"I hope that he continues playing the way he is at the moment and improves on his rankings.
"He must consolidate after this win."
Ian Smith, chief executive of SA Tennis Association, was delighted at Moodie's success.
"It's just what South African tennis needs at the moment - winners.
"And Wesley has provided us with just that as we trying to get the game going in this country.
"His win will no doubt be a huge boost for the youngsters who will want to emulate him in the near future," Smith said.
"I hope that Wesley takes his game forward after the weekend win and that he gets a bit of luck going his way when it comes to draws for the events. Even though he's had tough draws in the recent months he has performed with credit.
"Now we'd like to see him catapult into the Top 20 or Top 30 in the world rankings."
- French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne said last week she would not be representing Belgium in the 2006 Fed Cup for the second year running. "I won't be playing in the Fed Cup next year," confirmed the former world No 1 who battled back from a debilitating viral condition to take the French Open title in June.
"It's going to be my first complete season for a long time and I want to concentrate on it fully. I'll take the decision myself when I return to the Fed Cup." Belgium have a first- round date with holders Russia next April.
Henin-Hardenne's success over Mary Pierce at Roland Garros this summer was her fourth Grand slam title.