Egypt is home to some of the best tennis players in the world. From renowned international stars to up-and-coming prospects, there are many talented and dedicated tennis players from the North African country who have made a name for themselves in the sport.
Some of the most successful include current world number one, Mohamed Safwat and the youngest ever Grand Slam champion, Taha Baadi. Other well-known players include Karim Maamoun, Omar Abdel-Aziz, and Mohamed Akkad.
We will take a look at the best tennis players from Egypt and what makes them so successful.
1. Ibrahim Badreldin-Sayed
Ibrahim Badr El-Din Sayed is an Egyptian tennis player who has a long history of representing his country in the Davis Cup. He first competed in the Davis Cup in 1955 and went on to participate in a total of 17 matches between 1955 and 1962.
During this time, Sayed showed great skill and tenacity on the court, representing Egypt in a number of regional and international tournaments.
He was a formidable opponent for the other teams in the Davis Cup and his performance over the years helped to raise the profile of Egyptian tennis.
He was a proud and loyal representative of his country, and his dedication to the sport was reflected in his impressive record of success in the Davis Cup.
2. Ismail El Shafei
Ismail El Shafei was an accomplished Egyptian professional tennis player, having won six singles titles and reaching eleven finals in his career.
He has since gone on to even greater success within the sport, being elected president of the Egyptian Tennis Federation and a member of the board of directors of the International Tennis Federation.
He currently holds the esteemed position of chairman of the ITF Junior Circuit, which has seen him become a prominent figure within the world of tennis.
El Shafei is a highly respected figure within the sport, having made significant contributions to tennis in Egypt and around the world. His success as a player, administrator, and leader has seen him become a highly respected and admired figure within the tennis community.
3. Tamer El-Sawy
Tamer El-Sawy is a former Egyptian tennis player who was born on February 11th, 1972. He was a prodigy and represented his country in the Davis Cup at only 16 years old. El-Sawy achieved his first collegiate tournament win at the LSU Fall Showcase in 1992.
He was known for his skill and dedication to the sport, showing his talents from an early age. He was also a strong supporter of the Egyptian tennis community, as he took part in several initiatives to help promote the game in his home country.
Throughout his career, El-Sawy was an example of true dedication and hard work, proving to be a successful player until his retirement.
4. Hisham Hemeda
Hisham Hemeda was a professional tennis player who represented Egypt in the Davis Cup from 1994 to 2001. During his time competing, he achieved a 13-6 record over 14 ties, proving himself to be a highly talented player.
He also had a successful college career, playing for the University of Georgia and even leading them to the NCAA team title in 1999. His remarkable performance in both international and college tennis is a testament to his skill and dedication as a tennis player.
5. Aly El Dawoudi
Aly El Dawoudi is a former professional tennis player from Egypt. He is most well-known for his time as a Davis Cup player, representing his country in the prestigious international team tournament.
During his tenure with the Davis Cup, El Dawoudi was part of the Egyptian team that reached the finals of the tournament in 2004, losing to Spain in the final match.
He is remembered for his strong performance in the tournament, which helped elevate Egypt’s reputation as a tennis power. Off the court, El Dawoudi is known for his dedication to the development of tennis in his native country, working with the Tennis Egypt Association to improve the standard of the sport in Egypt.
He has also been a vocal advocate for the improvement of tennis facilities and the promotion of the sport to a wider audience in the country. Overall, Aly El Dawoudi is an important figure in the history of Egyptian tennis.
His accomplishments on the court, as well as his commitment to the development of the sport in his homeland, have earned him the respect of tennis fans around the world.
6. Adli El Shafei II
Adli El-Shafei Junior is an Egyptian tennis player who is well known for his participation in the Davis Cup. He has represented Egypt in two matches and is highly regarded in the tennis world.
His highest ranking in the ATP singles chart is 1,071, which he achieved in August 1992. He has been a successful player since then and continues to participate in various tennis tournaments.
Adli El-Shafei Junior is a tennis player with great potential and dedication to the sport. He has demonstrated that he has the skills and determination to compete at the highest level, and his ranking speaks for itself.
He is an excellent example of a tennis player who has been able to make it to the top despite the obstacles he has faced. He is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication, and a great example of what dedication can achieve.
7. Adli El Shafei
Adli El-Shafei was a prominent figure in Egyptian tennis, having represented Egypt in the Davis Cup from 1946 to 1955. He had a total of 32 matches during his time competing in the Davis Cup, which is a remarkable accomplishment.
His legacy continues today, as his son Ismail El Shafei followed in his father’s footsteps and became a tennis player himself. Furthermore, Adli El-Shafei II, Ismail’s son, is also a Davis Cup player in Egypt, making Adli El-Shafei’s legacy span three generations.
8. Ola Abou Zekry
Ola Mohamed Tarek Al Said Abou Zekry is a former professional tennis player from Egypt who achieved remarkable success during her career. She was ranked 441 in singles on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, a career-high that she achieved on July 20th, 2015.
Her career-high doubles ranking was 440, which she achieved on February 29th, 2016. Abou Zekry won two singles titles and nine doubles titles during her time on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Circuit, a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Despite her retirement, she continues to be remembered as one of the most successful Egyptian tennis players of all time.
9. Magy Aziz
Magy Nader Aziz is a former tennis player from Egypt. She played for Egypt in the Fed Cup, which is an international team tennis competition. Her win-loss record in the Fed Cup was 26 wins and 21 losses.
This indicates that she was a successful competitor during her time playing for Egypt in the Fed Cup. Aziz was known for her aggressive playing style. She was able to use her strength and speed to her advantage on the court.
She was a well-rounded player who was able to adjust to different game situations. She was also known for her strong serve, which was a key weapon of hers. Aziz was an important figure in Egyptian tennis during her playing days.
She represented the country with pride and dignity in the Fed Cup. Her win-loss record in the Fed Cup is an indication of her talent and competitive spirit. Aziz was an inspiration to many aspiring tennis players in Egypt.
10. Amr Ghoneim
Amr Ghoneim is a retired professional tennis player who reached the peak of his career in the 1990s. Born in Egypt, he began playing the sport at a young age and soon became renowned for his exceptional skills.
During his career, he competed in many tournaments, both locally and internationally, and achieved impressive results. He was particularly successful in doubles, often playing alongside his brother, Ahmed Ghoneim.
In addition to his achievements in tennis, Amr Ghoneim was also a tennis coach, helping to prepare the next generation of Egyptian tennis players. His contribution to the sport has been recognised by the Egyptian Tennis Federation, which awarded him a lifetime achievement award.
He is now retired from tennis but remains an important figure in the sport, remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of watching him play.
11. Dimitrios Kasdaglis
Dimitrios Emmanuel Kasdaglis, also known as Demetrius or Casdagli, was a talented Greek-Egyptian tennis player. He had the distinction of competing in two Olympic Games, the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens and the 1906 Intercalated Games, also held in Athens.
However, in some sources, his first name has been wrongly reported as Dionysios. This is likely due to the similarity in pronunciation of the two Greek names, and confusion arising from the various transliterations of his name.
12. Mayar Sherif
Mayar Sherif Ahmed Abdel-Aziz is an Egyptian professional tennis player who has made history in the sport. On 19 June 2023, she achieved the highest WTA ranking for an Egyptian player in the Open Era, reaching No. 31.
This was an impressive milestone, as it made her the highest ranked Egyptian tennis player of all time. She also made a career high ranking of No. 88 in doubles, on 11 July 2022.
This was another remarkable feat, as it made her the highest ranked Egyptian doubles player of all time. Mayar Sherif Ahmed Abdel-Aziz has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the sport of tennis, and she is an inspiration to many aspiring tennis players around the world.
13. Jaroslav Drobný
Jaroslav Drobný was a renowned athlete, having achieved world No. 1 amateur status in both tennis and ice hockey. Hailing from Czechoslovakia, he left in 1949 and travelled as an Egyptian citizen until 1959, when he was granted citizenship in the United Kingdom.
Drobný spent the rest of his life in the UK, passing away in 2001. Drobný’s accomplishments on the court and the ice were remarkable, as his success in both sports saw him climb to the top of the amateur rankings.
As an Egyptian citizen, he continued to compete in international tournaments, though with less success. While Drobný was an exceptional athlete, his life was plagued with difficulties due to his status as a foreigner.
It was only when he was granted British citizenship in 1959 that he was able to settle down and enjoy the rest of his life. Drobný passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in sports.
14. Mohamed Safwat
Mohamed Safwat is an accomplished tennis player from Egypt. He has been a member of the Egypt Davis Cup team since 2009, and has enjoyed considerable success on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Safwat has won one singles title and three doubles titles on the ATP Challenger Tour, and is currently ranked as the number one tennis player in Egypt. He is highly respected in the tennis world due to his skill level and consistent success.
Safwat’s commitment to the game and dedication to his country has made him a role model for aspiring young tennis players in Egypt. He is an inspiration to many and has helped to put Egypt on the map as a force to be reckoned with in international tennis.
15. Fathi Ali
Fathi Mohammed Ali is a former Egyptian tennis player who achieved great success in his career. He won a silver medal at the 1963 Mediterranean Games, a major sporting event for countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
After his playing career ended, he became a tennis coach and moved to Dreieich, Germany. He has coached the Davis Cup teams of Libya and Kuwait, helping to shape the future of tennis in those countries.
His experience and knowledge of the game have made him an invaluable asset to the tennis world. He continues to be a respected and sought-after coach today, with a long history of success.
16. Issam Haitham Taweel
Issam Haitham Taweel is an accomplished Egyptian tennis player. At just 13 years of age, he began his journey in the sport, having trained in Syria, Spain, the United States, and his homeland of Egypt.
His extensive training has enabled him to become a formidable opponent on the court, having competed in numerous tournaments across the globe. Taweel is a passionate and dedicated athlete, having worked hard to perfect his game since his teenage years.
His skills and technique have developed over time, and he is now able to consistently deliver high-level performances.
He is constantly striving to improve, and this is evident in his commitment to his training. Taweel has represented his country on numerous occasions and has earned a number of accolades for his efforts.
He has won a number of tournaments in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, and was the first Egyptian player to win a professional singles title. Taweel is a role model for aspiring tennis players, both in his home country and beyond.
He serves as an inspiration for younger generations, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can take you a long way. With his talent and ambition, he is sure to continue to make his mark in the world of tennis.
17. Tarek El-Sakka
Tarek-Shawki El-Sakka is an accomplished former tennis player from Egypt.
He earned a silver medal in both singles and doubles at the 1983 Mediterranean Games, and he also had the opportunity to play college tennis in the United States for the Southwestern Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.
After his time as a tennis player, he went on to work in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry for more than thirty years. This is an impressive accomplishment, as it requires an extensive amount of knowledge and expertise in the field.
El-Sakka is a testament to the dedication and hard work that can lead to success in any field.
18. Sherif Sabry
Sherif Sabry is an accomplished tennis player from Egypt. He has been an active participant on the Davis Cup team for Egypt since 2006. Over the course of his career, he has achieved a total record of 27 wins and 23 losses.
Sabry achieved his highest ranking in singles on the ATP rankings on September 29, 2014, when he reached a ranking of 351. His highest ranking in doubles was 410, which he achieved on May 17, 2010.
Throughout his career, Sabry has demonstrated remarkable talent and skill in his chosen sport. He is an inspiration to all who follow his career, and his accomplishments are a testament to his dedication and hard work.
He has helped to increase the overall quality of tennis played in the region and has shown the world what a talented athlete from Egypt can do.
19. Ahmed El-Mehelmy
Ahmed El-Mehelmy is an Egyptian former professional tennis player who has made a lasting impression on the international tennis circuit. He began his career as a junior player in his home country of Egypt and eventually rose to become one of the best players in the world.
He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 14 in August 1991 and won a total of 10 ATP Tour titles during his career. He also represented Egypt in the Davis Cup on several occasions, where he was the most successful player from the nation.
He was also a part of the Egyptian team which won the 2005 Afro-Asian Games. After retiring from professional tennis, El-Mehelmy has become a successful coach, working with some of the best players from his home nation.
He is now a certified tennis instructor and has been inducted into the Egyptian Tennis Hall of Fame. He is an inspirational figure for many aspiring tennis players in Egypt, having achieved success on the international stage.
20. Betsy Abbas
Beatrice “Betsy” Abbas was a professional tennis player from South Africa who moved to Egypt at a young age. She competed in the 1960 French Championships, where she made it to the quarterfinals before being defeated by Yola Ramírez of Mexico.
Two years later, in 1952, she participated in the Wimbledon tournament, where she was eliminated in the second round by British player Pat Harrison. Throughout her career, Abbas was known for her powerful serves and her ability to read her opponents’ movements.
She was also a highly competitive player, always looking to give her best performance. Despite her numerous accomplishments in the game, she never won any big titles, but she was able to make a name for herself in the tennis world.
21. Heidi El Tabakh
Heidi El Tabakh is a former professional tennis player who holds both Egyptian and Canadian nationalities. She achieved her highest singles ranking of 146, which was issued by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in October 2012.
This was a significant milestone for Heidi, as it saw her reach a world ranking. Additionally, she achieved her career-high doubles ranking of 173 in February 2010. This is a notable achievement, as it highlights her success in both singles and doubles play.
Throughout her professional career, Heidi was able to demonstrate her ability to compete against some of the world’s best tennis players.
22. Yomna Farid
Yomna Farid is a former professional tennis player from Egypt. She was active on the professional circuit for several years and achieved a career-high ranking of 607 in singles and 480 in doubles in 2003.
During her career, Farid was successful in the doubles game and was able to win one ITF doubles title. Farid was also a member of the Egyptian Fed Cup team, where she had a win-loss record of 9-19.
This shows that she was able to compete at a high level against other national teams while representing her country. Despite her success, Farid eventually retired from professional tennis in the mid-2000s. Overall, Yomna Farid was a successful tennis player in her own right.
She was able to achieve a high ranking in both singles and doubles, win a doubles title, and represent her country in the Fed Cup. Her legacy in professional tennis lives on and she is remembered fondly by her fans.
23. Mai El Kamash
Mai El Kamash is an accomplished former professional tennis player from Egypt. She was ranked highly in both singles and doubles, achieving a career-high ranking of 913 in singles and 876 in doubles by the Women’s Tennis Association.
Her success in tennis is further highlighted by her winning a doubles title on the ITF Women’s Circuit. El Kamash is an example of an athlete who has been able to make a mark for herself in the competitive world of tennis.
She is also a testament to the dedication and skill she has developed over the years to reach the heights of success she has achieved.
24. Youssef Hossam
Youssef Hossam was a professional tennis player from Egypt, who was found guilty of 21 match-fixing and other corruption offences.
As a result, he was given a lifetime ban from tennis, a decision which was made official on May 4th, 2020 following a hearing held between March 9th and 11th 2020.
The match-fixing and corruption offences committed by Hossam were considered serious enough to warrant such a ban, as it showed a lack of respect for the sport and its rules.
Match-fixing is an offence that goes against the fundamental principles of sportsmanship, and it is a crime that undermines the integrity of the game. As such, the decision to impose a lifetime ban on Hossam was a necessary one in order to preserve the fairness of the sport.
The ban on Hossam serves as a reminder to other players that match-fixing and corruption will not be tolerated. It is a warning that those who engage in such activities will face serious consequences.
It also serves to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that all athletes are competing on a level playing field. Overall, the lifetime ban on Youssef Hossam was the right decision and serves as a reminder that match-fixing and corruption will not be tolerated.
This decision will ensure that the sport of tennis remains fair and competitive.
25. Sandra Samir
Sandra Sameh Samir Abdul Salam is a highly accomplished tennis player from Egypt. She has achieved great success in the sport, winning the 2013 U-16 African Junior Tennis Championships as well as 13 singles titles and 10 doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit.
Her hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off, as on October 26, 2020, she reached her highest singles ranking of world No. 342. She is a prime example of someone who has worked hard to achieve their goals and is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players.
26. Omar Assar
Omar Muhammadi Muhammad Muhammad Assar is an Egyptian table tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in international competitions. In 2011, he won silver in the singles competition and gold in team play at the Arab Games in Doha.
He followed up this success by competing in the Men’s singles at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. Although he was not able to advance beyond the second round in either event, his presence at the Olympics speaks to the skill and dedication he has put into his craft.
He is a great example of an athlete who has worked hard to reach the highest levels of international competition.
27. Khalid Assar
Khalid Assar is a talented table tennis player from Egypt. He made history when he competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics for Men’s Singles. Unfortunately, he did not advance any further than the preliminary round due to his defeat against Wang Jianan from Congo.
Yet this did not stop him from qualifying to represent his country in the 2020 Summer Olympics. Khalid Assar is not the only Olympian in his family. His brother, Omar Assar, is also a talented athlete.
The two brothers have made their nation proud by representing Egypt in the prestigious Olympics. It is evident that the Assar family have a passion for sports and are proud to be part of the Olympic spirit.
28. Ahmed Saleh
Ahmed Saleh is an Egyptian table tennis player who has competed in the Olympics twice; once in 2008 and once in 2012. In 2008, Saleh entered the men’s individual event but was unfortunately eliminated in the second round by Damien Éloi of France.
Four years later, Saleh returned to the Olympics and participated in the men’s team event. Despite his strong efforts, he was unable to earn himself a medal. Nevertheless, Saleh’s impressive athletic abilities still make him a prominent figure in the world of table tennis.
Conclusion
Egypt has some of the best tennis players in the world. With the likes of Tarek Momen, Farah Abdel Aziz, and Mohamed El Shorbagy, Egypt has some of the best players in the world who are constantly pushing the boundaries of the sport.
They are great ambassadors for the country and have done a lot to promote the game of tennis in Egypt. Their successes have also inspired the next generation of players to take up the sport and aim to be just as successful as the current stars.
