The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has said it will review its wildcard entry procedures after a debut match at an ITF W35 event in Nairobi sparked widespread criticism online. Egyptian amateur player Hajar Abdelkader lost 6-0, 6-0 in just 37 minutes, committing 20 double faults and winning only three points in her first-round match against Germany’s Lorena Schaedel, ranked 1,026 in the world. The performance quickly went viral on social media, prompting questions over minimum playing standards.

An ITF spokesperson said tournament host Tennis Kenya had believed Abdelkader was of an appropriate level to compete, but acknowledged the outcome showed this was “clearly not the case” and was unacceptable for a World Tennis Tour event. The ITF said it is now examining ways to strengthen the wildcard allocation process, including the possible introduction of minimum standards to ensure competitive integrity and protect players.

Tennis Kenya later admitted Abdelkader should not have been allowed to play, explaining she was granted a last-minute wildcard after another player withdrew in order to maintain player numbers and national representation. Both Abdelkader and Schaedel have been offered support following the intense attention surrounding the match. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Tennis Federation said Abdelkader has never been affiliated with the body and does not appear in its official records.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright