Asal Aims for Title at 2025 Qatar Classic; Al Tamimi Celebrates Milestone

World champion Mostafa Asal from Egypt is set to compete for his first title at the 2025 Qatar Classic, which begins today at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha. Local star Abdulla Al Tamimi looks to make a significant impact as he marks his 10th appearance in this prestigious tournament.

The Qatar Classic returns for its 22nd edition, featuring 64 of the world’s elite male and female players. Asal, fresh off defending his title at the Egyptian Open, is eager to secure his maiden Qatar Classic trophy after finishing as runner-up last year. He will begin his campaign against India’s Ramit Tandon.

Challenging Path for Asal

Asal, 24, may face a tough road ahead, potentially needing to overcome former World Championship silver medallist and No. 4 seed Marwan ElShorbagy in the semi-finals, should the seedings hold. Both players are on a collision course as they progress through the tournament.

Recent developments include the withdrawal of defending champion Diego Elias due to injury, which reshuffles the draw. In Elias’s absence, Paul Coll, the recent winner of the London Classic, steps into the No. 2 seed position and will face Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng.

The draw also features No. 3 seed Joel Makin, four-time champion Mohamed El Shorbagy from England, and local favourite Al Tamimi.

Al Tamimi Seeks Success at Home

Ranked 21st in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings, Al Tamimi enters the tournament as Qatar’s most decorated player. He will face compatriot Ali Al Darwish in his opening match today. The winner of this all-Qatari clash will advance to a challenging second-round encounter against either World No. 11 Aly Abou Eleinen from Egypt or Sebastien Bonmalais from France.

In a notable local interest, wild card Salem Al Malki will challenge Fares Dessouky, ranked 15th globally, in his first match. This matchup promises to be a significant test for Al Malki.

The women’s draw adds further excitement to the event. Following the withdrawal of World No. 1 Nouran Gohar, the defending champion Nour ElSherbini will lead the contenders. She is joined by recent Egyptian Open champion Hania El Hammamy, London Classic title winner Amina Orfi, and American No. 1 Olivia Weaver among the title favourites.

As the tournament progresses, both players and fans will be watching closely to see if Asal can secure his first Qatar Classic title and how Al Tamimi performs in his landmark appearance.