World No. 7 Stefanos Tsitsipas has showered praise on emerging Jordanian tennis player Abdullah Shelbayh, tipping him for a promising future in the sport. Tsitsipas, who had the opportunity to train with Shelbayh during the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid, expressed confidence in the young left-hander’s potential.
“I really believe he’s a top-100 player in the future, and I’m pretty convinced he can be top 50, as well,” Tsitsipas remarked, highlighting Shelbayh’s talent and potential. Tsitsipas, a supporter of players from smaller countries like his own, emphasized the importance of nurturing talent from regions less represented in tennis.
Shelbayh, who made waves by competing at the Next Gen ATP Finals last year and achieving a career-high ranking of 181, is the first Jordanian player to make an impact on the ATP Tour. Tsitsipas commended Shelbayh’s dedication and eagerness to learn, noting his positive attitude towards improvement.
Amidst a growing presence of Arab players at the Madrid Open, including Tunisian Ons Jabeur and Egyptian Mayar Sherif on the WTA side, Shelbayh’s emergence adds to the diversity of talent on display. Jabeur, a former champion in Madrid, expressed delight at seeing more Arab players making strides in professional tennis.
“I always want to do the first step and tell them if they want to talk or need anything, I’m always here for them,” Jabeur remarked, highlighting her support for younger players from the Arab world. Shelbayh, who shares coach Fernando Verdasco with Jabeur, has been actively involved in the tournament, supporting his fellow players and engaging in friendly banter on the court.
With Tsitsipas’s endorsement and the support of fellow players like Jabeur, Shelbayh’s journey in professional tennis appears promising. As he continues to hone his skills and compete on the international stage, Shelbayh represents a beacon of hope for tennis enthusiasts in Jordan and the wider Arab world.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2024
Currently the world no.7, the Greek played his last match on the 27th of April when he lost to world no.118 Thiago Moura Monteiro 6-4 6-4 in the 2nd round in Madrid (draw).
Until now, during this year Stefanos owns a 21-8 win-loss record. The Greek clinched 1 title in Monte-Carlo. Tsitsipas was the runner-up in Barcelona.
Tsitsipas has scheduled to play next in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 8th of May.
Abedallah Shelbayh in 2024
LWLLWWLLWW Ranked world no.255, Shelbayh played his last match on the 23rd of April when he lost to world no.88 Corentin Moutet 6-2 6-2 in the qualifications in Madrid (draw).
Until now, during this year the has an overall 14-14 match record.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Abedallah Shelbayh have never clashed against each other.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Abedallah Shelbayh |
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