Egypt’s Dina Meshref has become the first African female player to reach the semi-final of WTT Contender after exiting in the last four of the women’s singles at WTT Contender Doha on Friday January 19, 2024.
Listed among the top seeds who began their campaigns from the main draw (round of 32), Meshref edged out Czech Republic’s Hana Matelova 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-5) to set up round of 16 tie against Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut.
Her 3-1 (11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9) win over the Thailand star put Meshref through the quarterfinal hurdle of a WTT Series event for the second time in her career.
Meshref continued her good form with another emphatic 3-2 win over South Korea’s Kim Nayeong. The tie against the Korean brought out the best in the African star that she had to recover from 2-1 down to win the encounter at 3-2 (11-8, 8-11, 3-11, 11-6, 11-9).
In the semi-final clash against South Korea’s national champion and world number nine Shin Yubin, Meshref put up a good fight but succumbed to defeat against the Asian star 3-1 (7-11, 9-11, 12-10, 9-11) to exit the tournament in the last four.
An excited Meshref said: “I am very very happy and really grateful to God and to every person who helped me during the past period..especially my family.”