A shocking story has emerged from the world of professional tennis, centered around 21-year-old Egyptian player Hajar Abdelkader. Following a disastrous match in Nairobi, Kenya, she has reportedly vanished, leaving behind a trail of questions and accusations.
The match, a 6-0, 6-0 defeat against Lorena Schaedel, quickly went viral, but not for athletic prowess. Viewers were stunned by Abdelkader’s apparent inability to execute even the most fundamental tennis strokes. One particularly jarring moment showed her tossing the serve *behind* herself.
The disparity in skill was stark. Schaedel, ranked 1139th in the world, lost only three points throughout the entire contest, committing a mere two double faults and one unforced error. In contrast, Abdelkader racked up an astonishing 20 double faults, landing only 8% of her serves.
Tennis Kenya has since admitted a critical error in judgment, stating Abdelkader should never have been allowed to compete. Her entry was only possible after a last-minute withdrawal by a Kenyan professional, opening a wildcard spot.
Investigations have revealed a disturbing possibility: deception. Sources suggest Abdelkader provided false information regarding her ranking and playing experience to secure her place in the tournament. Attempts to locate her have been unsuccessful, with officials stating they “can’t find her and don’t know where she’s gone.”
Her ITF profile claims a decade of playing experience, beginning at age 14. However, the footage tells a different story, leading many to question the validity of her credentials. Online reactions ranged from disbelief to harsh criticism, with some labeling her performance as the worst ever witnessed in professional tennis.
Organizers revealed Abdelkader relentlessly pursued the opportunity to play, repeatedly emailing officials until the wildcard spot became available. Despite initial rejections, her persistence ultimately paid off, though the consequences are now unfolding.
Tennis Kenya’s secretary-general acknowledged the mistake, promising to prevent similar situations in the future. The federation relied on Abdelkader’s claim of “appropriate competitive playing experience” as listed on her ITF profile, a claim now under intense scrutiny.
Adding another layer to the mystery, the Egyptian Tennis Federation confirmed Abdelkader is an Egyptian national, but resides in Kenya and has never actually competed in a tournament within her home country. The circumstances surrounding her participation continue to raise serious concerns.
