Egyptian Hajar Abdelkader Goes Viral After Wildcard Entrant Hits 20 Double Faults and Earns Three Points In Tennis Match (Watch Video)
A recent tennis match held in Nairobi, Kenya, has ignited significant scrutiny and prompted widespread discussion within the sport after a wildcard player, Hajar Abdelkader recorded an exceptionally low score, including an unusually high number of double faults.
The embarrassing encounter took place as part of an International Tennis Federation (ITF) event in Nairobi. Wildcard Egyptian Hajar Abdelkader's performance was notably brief and one-sided, culminating in a final scoreline that quickly circulated across social media and tennis forums. Observers highlighted the disproportionate number of unforced errors, specifically the 20 double faults, as a primary reason for the rapid conclusion and the player's inability to register more points. Where to Watch Australian Open 2026 Live Streaming in India.
Embarrassing Show By Hajar Abdelkader
The 21-year-old has no professional match history on record and endured the embarrassment for 37 minutes against her German opponent, Lorena Schaedel, where the former won three points, and racked up 20 double faults alone out of 22 in the match.
Hajar Abdelkader's Aybsmal Show in ITF 35K
Mounting Integrity Concerns
The unusual statistics from the match have triggered alarm bells among fans, pundits, and former players, raising questions about the player's effort and the competitive nature of the contest. In professional tennis, such a lopsided score, particularly with a high error count, often prompts speculation regarding potential match-fixing or a lack of genuine competitive intent. The sport's governing bodies have a zero-tolerance policy for any activity that undermines its integrity.
The Wildcard System Under Scrutiny
The incident has also brought renewed attention to the wildcard system. Wildcards are special invitations granted to players who do not meet the direct entry criteria for a tournament, typically due to lower rankings, injury, or to promote local talent. While intended to add excitement and opportunities, the system can be vulnerable to misuse if not managed with strict oversight. Critics suggest that lax vetting processes for wildcards, particularly in lower-tier tournaments, could inadvertently create avenues for individuals with questionable motives to gain entry. Roger Federer Elected to 2026 Class of International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Official Response and Investigations
While specific details regarding any ongoing investigation remain confidential, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) is the independent body responsible for safeguarding the integrity of professional tennis worldwide. The ITIA monitors matches for unusual betting patterns and investigates any credible reports of corruption, including match-fixing, betting offenses, and breaches of anti-corruption rules. Incidents like the one in Nairobi typically prompt a review by the ITIA to determine if any rules have been violated.
Background on Match-Fixing in Tennis
The issue of match-fixing, particularly in the lower echelons of professional tennis where prize money is significantly lower, has been a persistent challenge for the sport. Players facing financial pressures may become targets for individuals attempting to manipulate match outcomes for betting purposes. The ITIA was established to combat these threats through education, prevention, and enforcement, emphasizing that protecting the integrity of the sport is paramount. The Nairobi incident serves as a fresh reminder of the continuous vigilance required to uphold fair play.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2026 02:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).