Rising tennis star Hashem's exploits earns him Yonex sponsorship

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

The father is credited with putting Fujairah on the world tennis map as an organiser. The son, inspired by one of the sport’s greatest, hopes to take that family passion further, and raise the UAE flag in tennis stadia around the globe as a player.

The father, Abdul Ghafoor Behroozian is the man, and the inspiration, behind the success of Fujairah Tennis and Country Club (FTCC) and the spread of the game in Fujairah, since the club was founded in 2007.

It was natural then for his kids to be inclined towards the sport, and the youngest of his sons, Hashem Behroozian, though still only 10 years old, is projecting that family passion for tennis on the courts through hours of dedicated training every single day.

Hashem got enamoured with the sport very early, and by the age of five, he was a regular on the practice courts, racquet in hand, slicing and smashing balls across the court. Today, he is among UAE’s rising brigade of future talents.

Hashem potential earned him a sponsorship contract with Yonex – world’s number 1 brand for badminton equipment.

The youngster is the first tennis player from Fujairah to get sponsorship support from Yonex.

Inspired by one of the greatest tennis players and current world number three, Rafael Nadal, Hashem has already got an action-plan in place, and his first target is winning an ITF juniors title.

A Fujairah Private Academy student, Hashem always makes time to watch his idol’s matches, wherever the Spaniard plays.

"I am a big fan of Nadal. I watched my favourite player claim a record-setting 21st Grand Slam singles title with an epic comeback victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final in January.

"His game inspires me to train hard and play better tennis. I love watching his matches."

Troubled for years with knee injuries, Nadal saw his 2021 season cut short by foot pain, but he came back to win the opening Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.

"I never saw someone come back after a career-threatening injury and win a Grand Slam.

“I want to have Nadal's level of belief and never give up, no matter how tough it gets. He's a guy that never gives up, and I would want to have the same amount of belief in myself. And also keep pushing no matter what."

Talking about female tennis players, Hashem said: "I like Serena Williams. The way she plays and her power-packed returns on the court.

"But honestly speaking, the player who motivates me is Nadal. I watch other players as well."