👦 Ali Saif Al-Akeeli | Tennis Papers interview, December 2025

“My dream is to be world number 1.”

Meet Ali Saif Al-Akeeli, Iraqi boy junior tennis player who lives in Baghdad, Iraq and competing in U12 tennis category.
Ali is ranked number 2 in Iraq in his age category.

(Information gathered via an exclusive interview by Tennis Papers).

📘 Ali Saif Al-Akeeli | Biography, December 2025

🏛️ Baghdad, Iraq 🇮🇶

📚 Birthplace of the House of Wisdom and learning
🌉 Set along the majestic Tigris River
🕌 Rich in history, poetry & tradition
🍽️ Enjoy flavorful Iraqi cuisine and warm hospitality
🌅 A resilient city of culture, stories & spirit

🎙️Ali Saif Al-Akeeli | Interview, December 2025

Hello, introduce yourself please.

My name is Ali Saif Al-Akeeli, I’m 11 years old, I was born on January 31, 2014.
I’m Iraqi and I live in Baghdad, Iraq.

What languages do you speak?

Arabic & English.

At what age did you start playing tennis?

I started tennis at 4.

Are there other tennis players in your family?

My dad & brother.

In which club do you train?

–

Who are your coaches?

Captain Baha.

What is your weekly training routine?

5 days/week.

As an athlete, what is your greatest quality and what do you need to improve?

My best quality is humility.

What is your junior category and your national ranking?

I’m ranked #2 in U12.

What has been your greatest achievement?

I played Roland-Garros junior.

In which countries have you already played tournament?

In Tunisia for the Arab Championship.

Do you have any sponsors?

No.

What is your goal for 2026?

To play in Spain

What is your tennis dream?

My dream is to be world number 1.

Who are your favorite tennis players?

Alcaraz.

What do you like to do outside of tennis?

To which people would you like to dedicate this interview?

To Alcaraz.

Thanks a lot Ali!
Tennis Papers wishes you the best in your tennis life 💜🩷