Arab Tennis Players: Mayar Sherif was taught as a young child growing up in Egypt to sit and idolise Kim Clijsters and Amelie Mauresmo as they rose to the top of women’s tennis, believing her own goals would be limited to those of a far-off fan in north Africa.
She’s present. And Sherif has no intention of letting other young women from the Arab world or Africa adapt to the same story, whether or not she reaches the glittering heights of a Clijsters or a Mauresmo.
The Cairo-born 27-year-old is preparing to return to Roland Garros, where she created history by being the first Egyptian woman to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam at the 2020 French Open. She is presently ranked 43, a career-high position.
She still recalls the remarks made by others who thought she had little to no chance.
“Oh my god, 90% of the people claimed I couldn’t make it,” Sherif says in an interview with Sky Sports. “My parents and perhaps one of my sisters, who always thought I was good, were the only ones or two who knew me.
“I might not have made it if I hadn’t found the coach I have now, who helped me financially and believed in me more than I believed in myself. That gave me a huge mental push to believe I could get to where I am now.”
Sherif depicts a country where there are few opportunities due to both an outmoded view of women’s sports and a lack of a defined structure and organisation.
Because of the little sexism that exists towards women in north Africa or the Arab world, she reasoned, “I think women are more eager to succeed or they have more motivation to prove themselves.” We work harder to overcome it with greater drive, and I believe more women’s sports are excelling than they ever have.
With her ascent through the ranks and the ensuing clamour of Egyptian supporters cheering her on, awareness has increased and changed the environment.
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