Algerian President Extends Support to Ines Ibbou After Dominic Thiem Criticism

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has offered help to Ines Ibbou after the latter took a dig at World No.3 Dominic Thiem. The Austrian had refused to contribute to the Player Relief Fund since he believed many of them were not professional enough.

Earlier, World No.1 Novak Djokovic along with the ATP, WTA, ITF, and the boards of the four Grand Slams created a plan to help lower-level players financially during the global health crisis. However, Thiem was not in agreement with the program.

He explained that since tennis players are not starving, he would prefer to help those who really need it. The Austrian also suggested that there are players outside of Top-700 worthy of support. But, he was concerned about the money going to the right players. Incidentally, his comments did not go down well with the tennis fraternity, and he faced a lot of criticism from all around the globe.

“Algeria cannot lose a sporting talent like Ines Ibbou” – President

Following his comments, Ines Ibbou penned an open letter to Thiem. In it, she revealed how she’d been unable to make a living despite the sacrifices she’d made for her career. Ibbou asserted the players in the lower-level echelons hadn’t asked him for anything. However, she also stated that these players did expect a ‘bit of respect for their sacrifices.’

Following her moving letter, Ibbou received widespread support from all around the world. And now, the Algerian President has also come out to offer his support to Ines.

“Algeria cannot lose a sporting talent like Ines Ibbou, who is very young and a flower of giving, in a specialty that rarely gives birth to Algerians who excel in it. All my support, support, and wishes for success in you, God willing,” Algerian President wrote on Twitter.

Read More: “We Didn’t Ask Anything From You” – Dominic Thiem Gets a Letter From Algerian Tennis Player

There are certainly many players like Ibbou who are struggling to make ends meet. We hope that tennis unites during these tough times and help these players to survive during the pandemic.