Zainab Ali Naqvi, a promising young tennis player from Karachi Pakistan, tragically passed away on Monday night while competing in the ITF Juniors event in Islamabad.
The 17-year-old athlete was discovered dead in the bathroom of her home, approximately 30 minutes after returning from her match in the ITF Juniors event.
Zainab had been actively involved in tennis since the age of 9, primarily focusing on singles competitions and excelling on hard court surfaces that suited her style of play and strengths.
In November 2022, she participated in the ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships, facing opponents such as Kazakhstan’s Zhansaya Bakytzhan and India’s Thaniya Sarai.
Zainab’s tennis journey included significant achievements, such as winning the Karachi ATF 14 and under Super Tennis Series Championships in 2014. Her first-ever title in the girls’ singles category was achieved by defeating Varsha Das in a closely contested final at Karachi Gymkhana.
The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi, along with former PTF President and Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, PTF Council Members, and the wider tennis community, extend heartfelt condolences to Zainab’s family.
Her untimely passing has deeply impacted the tennis fraternity, and her memory will be cherished by those who witnessed her remarkable journey. In honor of Zainab, scheduled matches of the tournament on Tuesday were postponed. Additionally, a joint prayer was held by foreign and Pakistani players, parents, coaches, and PTF officials and staff.
