Ali Yazdani becomes first Iranian to win an ITF singles title
On a bright Sunday afternoon at Tehran’s Enghelab Sports Complex, 21-year-old Ali Yazdani made history, becoming the first Iranian to win an ITF singles title at M15 Tehran and inspiring a new generation of tennis players in his country.
Yazdani, the world No. 1507, defeated top-seeded Indian Karan Singh - ranked over 1000 spots above him at No. 475 - 6-4 6-3 for a historic triumph.
His win ended a years-long drought for Iranian tennis on the international stage. Until now, no Iranian had managed to win a singles title on the ITF World Tennis Tour despite several near misses. Veterans like Anoosha Shahgholi and Hamidreza Nadaf had reached the semi-finals, while Shahin Khaledan came closest in 2018, finishing runner-up in an ITF final in Georgia.
The atmosphere at Enghelab was electric. An unusually large crowd had gathered for a tournament at this level, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment and the significance of Yazdani’s run for Iranian tennis.
Despite the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Yazdani remained composed throughout the final and credited the home crowd for playing a vital role in his performance.
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"I have to sincerely thank the wonderful people of my country," he said. "Without their presence and support, this victory would not have been possible. I dedicate this win to the kind people of Iran. The energy I received from the crowd today was incredible – I can only say thank you."
He also credited his father, who introduced him to sport and stood by him throughout the ups and downs.
“I want to thank my father, who taught me how to play tennis. He always believed in me - sometimes more than I believed in myself. Every time I felt tired or discouraged, he guided me back on track, all the way to today.”
In a country where economic and logistical hurdles often limit international opportunities for athletes, Yazdani’s title offers hope. It’s a breakthrough moment for Iranian tennis and a signal that more may yet be possible.
Moments like these serve as a reminder of how important the ITF's entry-level professional tours remain; not only as a launchpad for aspiring professionals, but also as a way to nurture the sport in regions where tennis is still finding its footing. Yazdani’s victory reflects that spirit and shows that even in places where opportunities are limited, meaningful breakthroughs can emerge.
Ali Yazdani’s journey is just beginning. But with this first step, he’s given Iranian tennis a moment to believe in - one that fans, young players, and the community at large will remember for years to come.
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