Wassim EssidI feel so happy to win this event. This win is the product of a lot of hard work and commitment, adding to the support of both the federation and my family. It was really an overwhelming feeling and I felt so happy. The last round I was really focused on finishing the match in three games. From the beginning, I knew that I was going to win the match.
Following an eventful and competitive four days, the WTT Youth Contender Tunis 2023 has officially crowned its champions, with Amirmahdi Keshavarzi and Wassim Essid shining as exceptional victors at Salle Omnisport de Rades.
| Player | Event | Notable Achievements |
| Amirmahdi Keshavarzi | U19 Boys’ Singles | – Overcame challenges, lost only one game |
| – Dominated semifinals with a 3-0 win | ||
| – Showed determination in the final, winning in four games | ||
| Wassim Essid | U17 Boys’ Singles | – Impressive quarterfinal victory (3-2) |
| – Continued dominance through subsequent rounds | ||
| – Clinched victory with a straight-games win | ||
| Charlotte Lutz | U19 Girls’ Singles | – Reached final without conceding a game |
| – Strongly secured title in the final (3 games) | ||
| Hardee Chetan Patel | U17 Girls’ Singles | – Showed resilience in a five-game thriller |
| – Triumphed after a comeback (3-2) |
Keshavarzi, previously unacquainted with the U19 Boys’ Singles title on the WTT Youth Series, entered Rades as the 4th-ranked contender. Demonstrating exceptional skill, he lost only a single game in his initial four matches, setting the stage for a promising week. His semifinal display showcased his prowess, as he outperformed Samuel Palusek with a commanding 3-0 victory (11-2, 11-2, 11-6).
As the title drew near, Keshavarzi faced a pivotal final showdown. Elevating his performance, he staged a remarkable comeback from a 3-9 deficit in the first game. Employing a solid defensive strategy, Keshavarzi showcased his mettle against Samuel Arpas, securing the title with a four-game triumph (11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 13-11). This victory marked a significant achievement for the 17-year-old Iranian prodigy.
Wassim Essid, the local standout, marked his presence with an impressive debut in the U17 Boys’ Singles event, capturing his inaugural singles title on the WTT Youth Series. Essid displayed exceptional composure, particularly during the quarterfinals, where he navigated a challenging match against Palusek, ultimately emerging victorious with a 3-2 score (11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-4). He sustained his dominance, conquering Yassin Gaber in the subsequent round (11-1, 11-7, 11-4), and sealing his title triumph with a straight-games win against Benyamin Faraji (11-5, 11-4, 11-7).
Reflecting on his victory, Essid expressed his elation and attributed his success to dedicated hard work, unwavering commitment, and the steadfast support of his family and federation. He conveyed his overwhelming emotions and stressed his focus on efficiently concluding matches.
The U19 Girls’ Singles event showcased remarkable talent, with Charlotte Lutz regaining her title-winning status. The reigning WTT Youth Contender Helsingborg 2023 champion dominated the competition, securing her spot in the final without relinquishing a single game. While her perfect streak was halted in the final by Nina Guo Zheng, Lutz’s performance remained dominant as she claimed the title with authority (14-12, 11-9, 8-11, 13-11).
Guo Zheng, also a contender in the U17 Girls’ Singles draw, displayed commendable tenacity. Despite being the youngest participant, she advanced to the final. Her efforts culminated in a closely contested match against Hardee Chetan Patel, who executed an impressive turnaround from a two-game deficit to secure victory in an enthralling five-game encounter (11-13, 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9).
Reflecting on her triumph, Patel acknowledged her initial challenges in the game but highlighted her determination and aggressive approach that eventually led her to victory.
The WTT Youth Contender Tunis 2023 event not only showcased exceptional talent and perseverance but also delivered thrilling matches that left an indelible mark on the table tennis landscape.
