Tennis Kenya has acknowledged an error in awarding a main-draw wildcard after video of Hajar Abdelkader’s performance at an ITF W35 event drew widespread attention.

The 21-year-old Egyptian lost her first-round match 6-0, 6-0 in 37 minutes, winning three points. The match footage showed persistent serving problems, including 20 double faults, and at one point she appeared to need direction on where to stand to serve.

Tennis Kenya, which is hosting the W35 tournament, issued a statement addressing concerns about the decision to grant the wildcard. The organization’s statement said it was “aware of concerns” raised about Abdelkader’s participation.

“In hindsight, Tennis Kenya acknowledges that this wildcard should not have been granted. The federation has taken note of this experience and will ensure that such an extremely rare occurrence never happens again,” it said in a statement Thursday.

The federation explained the circumstances that produced the available slot. “The slot became available following a short notice withdrawal by the originally awarded main draw wildcard recipient, who opted into the qualifying draw,” the statement said. “At the time, Ms Abdelkader was the only other player who had requested a wildcard, and the decision was taken on the information provided and in the interest of maintaining a full and balanced draw while supporting the development of tennis in Africa.”

Tennis Kenya added that the wildcard had been issued based on information provided by the player. “In this instance, Ms Abdelkader indicated that she had an appropriate level of competitive playing experience, and the wildcard was issued based on the information provided.”

The federation indicated it will use this episode to review procedures around discretionary entries. The match has prompted debate about wildcard standards and the balance between developing regional players and preserving competitive integrity at professional events.

Novak Djokovic has announced he is leaving the Professional Tennis Players Association, saying the relationship no longer reflects his values or approach. The Serbian co-founded the PTPA in 2019 alongside Vasek Pospisil and the group launched publicly during the 2020 US Open.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”

Djokovic said he is proud of the original vision he shared with Pospisil to give players a stronger, independent voice, but added that alignment has broken down. “I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice – but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.

“I will continue to focus on my tennis, my family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect my principles and integrity. I wish the players and those involved the best as they move forward, but for me, this chapter is now closed.”

Pospisil’s explanation of the PTPA at launch emphasized unity for players: “The PTPA did not emerge to be combative, to disrupt, or to cause any issues within or outside the tennis tour. Simply to unify the players, have our voices heard & have an impact on decisions being made that effect our lives & livelihoods.”

The split follows legal escalation: ten months ago, the PTPA filed an antitrust lawsuit that named the ATP and WTA Tours, International Tennis Federation (ITF) and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) as defendants. The men’s tour responded: “We strongly reject the premise of the PTPA’s claims, believe the case to be entirely without merit, and will vigorously defend our position. ATP remains committed to working in the best interests of the game – towards continued growth, financial stability, and the best possible future for our players, tournaments, and fans.”

Before the PTPA, Djokovic served as ATP Player Council president from 2016-20. The 38-year-old reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slams last year, surpassed 100 career titles and is due to make his 2026 debut at the Adelaide International ahead of this month’s Australian Open.

The ATP on Friday set out a new safeguarding policy designed to ensure players and staff feel protected from abuse and understand how to report inappropriate behaviour.

Mirroring work already done by the WTA in women’s tennis, the ATP’s code of conduct details how investigations will be handled and lists potential sanctions, ranging from formal reprimands up to permanently revoking access to its tournaments. The tour also says it will launch training for players, coaches and staff throughout next year.

The code addresses bullying, sexual harassment and violence, as well as conduct that could constitute an “abuse of trust” in a professional relationship. It obliges players, coaches and tour personnel to report any concerns about abusive behaviour and requires them to notify the ATP’s safeguarding director if they are subject to investigations from police or social services about “any behavior constituting either a criminal offence or a safeguarding concern.”

“Everyone involved in our events — from players and their teams to staff and volunteers — deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued,” chief executive Eno Polo said in a statement. “This program helps make that a reality. By introducing clear protections against abuse, we’re strengthening the culture of tennis and aligning our sport with global standards of governance and care.”

The announcement included an image the ATP shared in conjunction with the announcement. © ATP Tour

The policy represents a formal step by the ATP to set out expectations, reporting pathways and disciplinary measures aimed at protecting those who work and compete on the tour. © 2025 Silvia Lore