Dubai: The age barrier has been unplugged on Oman's Fatima Al Nabhani as she sees the ease at last of pursuing a full career in tennis.
"I want to break into the top 300 by next year," the 18-year-old from Oman told Gulf News after bowing out in the first round of the 11th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge at the Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa.
"I know this is a stiff target, but it is one that is very much possible if I keep my focus and play the way I want to," she added.
Rules laid down by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) are quite stiff in allowing junior players to compete alongside the seniors on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. This has been done to ensure junior players do not suffer premature burn out, unless the junior is so gifted as to cut through ranks and compete among the best.
"My quota of competing on the WTA Tour was just five tournaments. But now that I have crossed 18, I am free to play as any normal player among the seniors," Al Nabhani said. "It's really a relief that from now on this rule will no longer be a barrier for me and my tennis."
However, she sees pressure mounting at a different level: there is no one from the region to keep her company. "I do feel the pressure of being out there all alone without any other player from the Gulf," Al Nabhani stated.
Huge expectations
"It is quite difficult travelling on the Tour and trying to fulfil the expectations of an entire Arab world that may be watching my performances," she added.
Last season was a fulfilling one for the 18-year-old as she fared quite well on all four junior grand slams becoming the first player from the Gulf to break into the top-100.
However, two consecutive injuries on her wrist and abdomen forced her into a long break that was a setback to her plans.
"I've done well for myself as a junior. Now I want to do even better as a player on the senior tour," Al Nabhani said.
