Archive · 10 Jan 2026
ITF Reviews Wildcard Process After Viral Match
A young woman named Hajar Abdelkader played in a professional tennis match for the first time.
She had a very hard time and lost very badly, making many mistakes.
People watched videos of the match and talked about it a lot on the internet.
The people who organized the tournament said they made a mistake by letting her play.
They promised to be more careful in the future.
The group that controls tennis in Egypt said they don't know who she is and she's not part of their team.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said this should not have happened and they are checking their rules to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Both players involved in the match were offered support because of all the attention the match got.
Hajar Abdelkader, an amateur, lost 6-0, 6-0 to Lorena Schaedel in 37 minutes, committing 20 double faults and winning only 3 points.
Abdelkader appeared unfamiliar with basic tennis skills, needing her opponent to direct her during the match.
Tennis Kenya granted Abdelkader a wildcard entry after another player withdrew, aiming to maintain a full draw.
The Egyptian Tennis Federation distanced themselves from Abdelkader, stating she is not registered with them.
The ITF called the match 'unacceptable' and is reviewing the process for awarding wildcards to prevent similar incidents.
- Who
- Hajar Abdelkader, an amateur tennis player, and Lorena Schaedel, a professional tennis player.
- What
- A highly uneven tennis match where Abdelkader struggled with basic tennis skills, leading to a viral debate and a review of the wildcard process.
- When
- The match took place on Wednesday, and the controversy emerged on Thursday. The ITF commented on Friday.
- Where
- The match was held in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of an ITF W35 tournament.
- Why
- Abdelkader was granted a wildcard entry after another player withdrew, aiming to maintain a full and balanced draw.
- Player
- Hajar Abdelkader
- Opponent
- Lorena Schaedel
- Match Result
- 6-0, 6-0
- Duration
- 37 minutes
- Double Faults
- 20
- Points Won
- 3
- Tournament
- ITF W35
- Location
- Nairobi