Teenager Karina Ogorodnikova is aiming for a professional tennis career after winning three titles at the 9th Al Habtoor Tennis Cup, which concluded alongside the 27th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge last weekend.

The 15-year-old Ogorodnikova secured the girls under-16 and under-18 titles before dominating her opponent to claim the Women’s Open crown at the Habtoor Grand Resort tennis courts on Sunday. Tournament Director Noura Badawi, along with Kira Nagy, the inaugural champion of the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge in 1998, presented the trophies to the winners and runners-up of all eleven age categories.

The competition, aptly named ‘Road to MADO’ (Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open), saw a strong turnout with nearly 300 players from across the UAE participating in eleven categories. There were four competitions each for junior boys and girls (under-12, 14, 16, and 18) and three for seniors - Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Masters (34 years and above). The preliminary matches were held over the past two weeks, with all eleven finals taking place alongside the final of the 27th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge on Sunday.

Ogorodnikova was ecstatic about her hat-trick of titles in Dubai. “I aim to play every day to keep improving. This competition has been invaluable,” said the 15-year-old student. “My mother, who also serves as my coach, has been a significant influence. My ultimate goal is to compete as a professional tennis player on the tour,” she added.

Young Ali Al Ali, who won the boy’s under-12 title, was equally thrilled, especially after defeating his older brother, Mohammed. “I admire Rafa Nadal’s style of play and his composure on court,” said Al Ali, based in Abu Dhabi. “I hope to be playing regularly on the international circuit in the next four to five years. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to work hard and make sacrifices for tennis,” he added.

The ‘Road to MADO’ is a community initiative developed by Mubadala in collaboration with the UAE Tennis Federation, under the umbrella of the annual Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. The program offers a unique pathway for aspiring players in the UAE to enhance their skills and make their mark on the global tennis stage. The series, fully sanctioned by the UAE Tennis Federation, was held throughout the season at various venues across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah.

Points earned through the ‘Road to MADO’ tournaments contribute to both the official UAE ranking and a distinct ‘Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’ ranking. At the end of the series, the top-8 players in each category advance to a play-off system to determine the overall champions. The pinnacle of this competition will be showcased during the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in February, where the final ‘Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’ will be played, with winners claiming their titles.

Among the incredible prizes offered throughout the series, the winners of the U14 and U16 categories will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to train at the prestigious Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Spain.

RESULTS

Boy’s U-12: Ali Al Ali bt Mohammed Al Ali 6-4, 6-4; U-14: Ayaan Malik bt Cayane Joe Muhtar 6-1, 6-4; U-16: Timur Gordeev bt Brendan Uchil 6-1, 6-0; U-18: Savva Morozov bt Raed Rizvie 1-6, 7-6 (5), 13-11.

Girls U-12: Sophie Himmelreich bt Cyrine Maazoun 6-1, 6-2; U-14: Isabelle James bt Srinika Rachakonda 6-2, 6-1; U-16: Karina Ogorodnikova bt Veronika Vitrik 6-0, 6-0; U-18: Karina Ogorodnikova bt Cara Du Toit 6-0, 6-1.

Women’s Open: Karina Ogorodnikova bt Maryam Aref 6-0, 6-0

Men’s Open: Julien Mizzon bt Cristian Costin 6-1, 6-1

Masters: Giovani Samaha bt Julien Mizzon 6-1, 6-1

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