Davis Cup: How Togo is building a future in Tennis

Togo's No. 1 ranked tennis player, Thomas Setodji, is visiting India for the first time.

But India, in many ways, does not feel foreign to him.

As he sits by the swimming pool at the DLTA stadium in Delhi to talk exclusively to The Bridge, his face lights up when he talks about his connection to the country.

"My fiancé, she's a little bit from India too- Vietnamese and Indian. So when I saw the draw, I was happy to come here, and we received a warm welcome," he says with a wide smile.

Setodji is in India for the Davis Cup World Group I tie between India and Togo, happening at the DLTA stadium.

India managed to solve the Togo puzzle with a clinical display to win both singles matches with ease on Day One of the Davis Cup World Group I Playoff in the Capital on Saturday.

The relatively unknown bunch of Togolese came to the tie as the dark horse, a ring of mystery surrounding them following an unbeaten 10-0 run.

The loss, however, does not overshadow the incredible journey Togo has undertaken to reach this stage.

The rise of tennis in Togo

Togo, a small West African nation known for its coastline and colonial history, has struggled with economic and political challenges since gaining independence in 1960.

Despite these hardships, sports have provided a beacon of hope.

Football remains the country’s most popular sport, but tennis has begun to carve out a space of its own, thanks to a passionate group of players, coaches, and administrators who refuse to let financial difficulties stand in their way.

For nearly two decades, Togo was absent from the Davis Cup circuit, from 2003 until 2022.

The reason? Poverty and the high costs associated with international competition.

"For Davis Cup, you have to pay in advance for the fees, and then the ITF gives back the money. That was tough for our federation," Setodji explains.

But things changed when Mawuli Ahialey took over as the president of the Togolese Tennis Federation in 2022.

A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Ahialey was determined to bring Togo back onto the international stage.

"As soon as he became president, he wanted to play the Davis Cup. Just three months after taking charge, he started preparing us to compete," Setodji recalls.

Since then, Togo has staged an incredible comeback, winning 10 out of 11 Davis Cup ties and establishing itself as a rising force in African tennis.

The team behind the success

The Togolese Davis Cup team consists of four players: Setodji, Liova Ayite Ajavon, Hod’abalo Isak Padio, and another seasoned player, all under the guidance of captain Agnamba Ali.

Their backgrounds are diverse, but their commitment to tennis is unwavering.

"Our youngest player, Padio, is in university and trains in the United States. The rest of us? We are also coaches," Setodji says. "I have been coaching for four years now while playing Davis Cup and club matches in France and Germany. The other two players are coaching as well. So, for us, this competition is a big opportunity."

Despite not being full-time touring professionals, the Togolese players take immense pride in representing their nation.

"We play for the development of tennis in our country. Hosting Davis Cup ties last year was a big event for us, and these moments inspire the next generation. It gives young players a chance to dream," Setodji emphasizes.

Building a future 

The resurgence of tennis in Togo is not just about the national team.

Under Ahialey’s leadership, efforts have been made to create a sustainable future for the sport.

"Our federation president owns a tennis club, and now he has built a big academy where 50 kids can stay and train full-time," Setodji reveals.

However, the road ahead is not easy.

"Tennis is expensive, and Togo is a poor country. But we do what we can. We send clothes, rackets, and equipment back home. We bring whatever we can to support young players," he adds.

While football still dominates the Togolese sporting landscape, the recent struggles of the national football team have led many to look toward other sports.

"People are starting to ask about tennis. They are curious. And that’s how it starts," Setodji says with optimism.

A new experience in India

Beyond tennis, the Togolese team is enjoying their time in India.

Setodji admires the facilities at DLTA. "It’s very big and beautiful. Our federation is not that big. You are lucky to have this," he says.

The team is also keen to explore India if their schedule allows.

"We hope we get a chance to visit the Taj Mahal," he shares.

As they adapt to the conditions and shake off the jet lag, Setodji is confident they are ready for the challenge ahead.

"The weather, the hotel, the courts- all look perfect. It’s a big stage. The stadium can host 5,000 people, which we are not used to, but we are ready."

With the Davis Cup tie against India set to unfold, Togo’s journey in the world of tennis continues.

Win or lose, their presence alone is a symbol of how far they have come- and the promise of what lies ahead.