At the Australian Open, Iranian and Kenyan youngsters created history in their respective countries. At the first grand slam of the year, both Angella Okutoyi of Kenya and Meshkat al-Zahra Safi of Iran achieved significant achievements, igniting a new age of competence.
On Sunday, Okutoyi became the first Kenyan woman to win a grand slam junior match, and she shows no signs of slowing down.
She is the first Kenyan to reach the third round of a grand slam singles event after beating Australian Zara Larke in three sets on Tuesday.
I’m proud to represent my country and everyone at home. It inspires me and I believe it inspires Kenyan youth to believe they can accomplish it, “said she won.
Meanwhile, Safi made history on Sunday by becoming the first Iranian (male or female) to win a junior grand slam match.
The 17-year-old overcame Anja Nayar 6-4, 6-3 at the Australian Open junior event, adding to her already impressive debut.
She said in a video to sports station Varzesh 3. “I wanted to say thank God I did well in my first match against an Australian opponent from the host nation,” she said in a video to sports station Varzesh 3.
“Pricey Iranians for all their messages of assistance and vigor,” she said.
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Inspiring the following era
According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Safi won 10 junior singles and doubles titles last year, climbing to 74th in the world.
She is also the first Iranian player to reach the top 100 in the junior rankings and hopes to use her achievement to encourage other women to take up the sport.
Safi lost 6-0, 6-2 against Sofia Costoulas of Belgium on Tuesday, but hopes to inspire others.
“Even if this isn’t my ultimate goal, it feels great to inspire and motivate other Iranian junior players,” Safi told the ITF before the Australian Open.
Perhaps the Iranian gamers believe it’s difficult to achieve something on the global stage.
“I hope my improvements inspire players and coaches to work harder.”
Safi has acknowledged the challenges of establishing himself as a tennis player in Iran, but he intends to persevere.
In Iran, sport and politics have always been mixed, and players are forced to adapt to an algorithm.
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