The ITF W35 Nairobi match drew attention worldwide after Egyptian player Hajar Abdelkader delivered an extremely poor performance, while Germany’s Lorena Schaedel ran the court with ease.
Fans calling it a ‘Comedy Show’ and experts are now questioning how such bizarre display could occur.
Abdelkader’s performance in the 37-minute trainwreck was shocking, winning only three points, each handed to her by Schaedel’s errors.
The match was such a mess that both Schaedel and the Umpire had to instruct Abdelkader on where to stand.
Abdelkader’s 6-0, 6-0 scoreline, recording 20 double faults, and 8.3% first serves raises questions behind her wildcard entry.
Randy Walker, veteran tournament director, publicly criticized the match on social media calling it a ‘straight-up disrespect to the sport’, and demanding the promoter be removed immediately for allowing such a wildcard entry.
According to the governing body, the wildcard was initially reserved for a local player who withdrew, leaving Abdelkader as the remaining applicant. Her entry was approved based on a formal request claiming competitive experience.
Tennis Kenya issues statement regarding the ongoing concern, and acknowledges that this wildcard should not have been granted, and no such occurrence will happen in the future.
Following the viral footage, Tennis Kenya have admitted their flaws in evaluation process and reached out to support the players involved. Tennis Kenya stated,
‘This is a young person and given the extent and nature of coverage of this match, Tennis Kenya and the ITF recognize the need to keep the wellbeing of both players as a primary consideration. Both organizations have reached out to the two players to offer support.’
While Abdelkader’s match grabbed the global attention, the ITF W35 Nairobi tournament was a triumph for the Kenyan star Angella Okutoyi, winning both the Singles and Doubles titles. Her impressive performance raised her status as Kenya’s top-ranked player.
The 2026 Nairobi tournament will be remembered both for Abdelkader’s 37-minute match and Angella Okutoyi’s marvelous victory, showcasing both the highs and lows of international tennis.
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