The match, played at the IPRC Kigali Tennis Courts on Sunday, October 11, 2026, ended with Houkes winning 6–2, 6(4)–7 and 7–5.
Houkes made a strong start, comfortably dominating the opening set to win 6–2.
However, Javia, who was appearing in the Rwanda Open M25 final for the first time, fought back in the second set, determined to challenge the Dutchman.
The two players remained closely matched until the set reached a tie-break, where Javia gained the upper hand, winning 7–6(4) to force a deciding third set.
The final set featured intense competition, with both players fighting to keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
Houkes, displaying experience and resilience, eventually found a way to put Javia under pressure in the closing stages, winning the set 7–5 and securing a 2–1 victory.
Sunday’s triumph marked Houkes’ second Rwanda Open M25 title, having previously won the tournament during the second week of the 2025 edition.
Houkes Overcomes Tough Opposition to Reach the Title
Houkes, who was the top seed in the tournament, reached the final after defeating Frenchman Florent Bax 2–0 in the semi-finals.
Eighth-seeded Dev Javia secured his place in the final by beating fourth-seeded Frenchman Corentin Denolly in straight sets.
The second week of the Rwanda Open M25 attracted players from several countries, including Rwandans who competed against international players regularly participating in the ITF World Tennis Tour.
Among the Rwandan players, Ishimwe Claude made history by becoming the first Rwandan to advance beyond the first qualifying round of the tournament since it began being held in Rwanda in 2023.
His run ended in the round of 16, where he lost to Frenchman Florent Bax in straight sets, 6–0 and 6–1.
Another Rwandan participant, Niyigena Étienne, was eliminated by Ishimwe in the first qualifying round.
Houkes Earns Nearly RWF 7 Million and 25 ATP Ranking Points
The Rwanda Open M25 is part of a series of tournaments offering total prize money of $30,000 per week, with $23,097 allocated to the singles competition.
Houkes received $4,612, equivalent to approximately RWF 6.79 million, along with 25 ATP ranking points. Runner-up Dev Javia earned $2,701 and 16 ATP ranking points.
Players who reached the semi-finals received $1,550 and eight ATP points, while quarter-finalists earned $905 and three points. Those eliminated in the round of 16 received $495 and one ATP point.
Players eliminated in the first qualifying round received $319 but did not earn ATP ranking points.
The Rwanda Open M25 is part of the ITF Men’s World Tennis Tour, which helps players accumulate ranking points as they work towards climbing the professional tennis rankings.
Houkes hopes that winning the tournament will help him secure a place in the 2027 Australian Open.
