They do say that the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about. However, Hajar Abdelkader may feel differently after a woeful display at an ITF W35 event in Nairobi.

Abdelkader was demolished 6-0 6-0 by Germany’s Lorena Schadel in the Kenyan capital, but it was the nature of the double bagel that has led to the Egyptian woman gaining 15 minutes of fame.

The 21-year-old won just three points over two sets, with those coming via two needless double faults and an unforced error from Schadel.

Abdelkader, who staggered under an unpredictable ball toss, boasted a first serve percentage of just 8.3% and was guilty of 20 double faults.

The hobbyist doesn’t have a world ranking, but she does have a profile page on the International Tennis Federation website to mark her tour debut.

It is bereft of information, but states that Abdelkader took up the sport at the age of 14. Judging by this display you would question whether she had played again in the intervening seven years.

If Abdelkader’s play was unconventional, so too was her attire. On a sultry afternoon, she paired a black t-shirt with black leggings.

Her lack of pockets, allied to the absence of ball boys or ball girls, meant her ITF ordeal lasted 37 minutes – short for a tennis match, but longer than was necessary.

While the episode will have brightened up a drab January day for many, it’s likely to draw scrutiny and shine an unwanted spotlight on the ITF itself.

Unsurprisingly, Abdelkader gained entry to the tournament via a wildcard, which at this level are often reserved for regional up-and-comers or regional has-beens.

Abdelkader falls more into the bracket of never-was-in-the-first place, leaving awkward questions for all those associated with the tournament to answer.