From Tennis Prodigy to Life Ban
Born on June 3, 1998, in Giza, Egypt, Youssef Hossam was immersed in tennis from a young age, inspired by his older brother, Karim Hossam, a top player in Egypt and Africa. Youssef quickly rose through the ranks, achieving a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 291 in December 2017. He represented Egypt in the Davis Cup, boasting a commendable 9–2 win-loss record.
However, his promising tennis career came to an abrupt halt in May 2020 when the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) imposed a lifetime ban for multiple match-fixing and corruption offenses committed between 2015 and 2019. These included eight cases of match-fixing and six instances of facilitating gambling.
A New Beginning in Padel
After a year away from professional sports and coping with the loss of his father, Youssef found solace in coaching at a tennis academy equipped with padel courts. Curiosity led him to try padel casually, but his competitive spirit reignited. By November 2021, he committed fully to the sport, training rigorously and leaving coaching behind.
His dedication bore fruit as he climbed the padel rankings, reaching No. 141 globally and securing the top spot in Africa and the Arab region. Notably, he became the first Egyptian to reach the quarter-finals of a Premier Padel tournament, marking a significant milestone for players from non-European and non-South American countries.
Training and Future Aspirations
Youssef splits his training between the World Padel Academy in Dubai and Gustavo Pratto’s academy in Spain, striving to bridge the experience gap with seasoned players. His long-term vision includes nurturing future talent through his academy, VIPA, established in early 2025. While he currently focuses on his playing career, he aims to develop a robust training infrastructure for aspiring padel players in Egypt and the region.
Lessons Learned and Legacy
Reflecting on his past, Youssef emphasizes the importance of awareness and due diligence. He acknowledges that his previous lack of understanding led to severe consequences and now approaches his career with heightened caution.
Youssef aspires to be remembered as a trailblazer who opened doors for Arab athletes in padel, demonstrating that success on the global stage is attainable. He advises his younger self to cherish every moment, maintain discipline, and work diligently, as these foundations shape one’s future.
Conclusion
Youssef Hossam’s journey from a banned tennis player to a rising star in padel is a testament to resilience and reinvention. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that setbacks can pave the way for new opportunities and achievements. Do follow her on Instagram.
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