Youssef Kadiri, a Moroccan tennis player from Casablanca, is making waves in collegiate tennis in the United States, according to Nevada SportsNet.
At 16, Kadiri moved to Nice, France, to train at the Mouratoglou International School, one of Europe’s top tennis academies. While he considered going professional, he chose to combine his athletic and academic ambitions by moving to the U.S., enrolling at the University of Oregon in the 2021-22 season.
Kadiri’s first year at Oregon was largely spent in doubles matches, leaving much of his potential untapped. Looking for a better fit, he entered the transfer portal and caught the attention of Nevada’s tennis program.
Nils Schyllander, his coach at Oregon, recommended him to Nevada’s head coach, Sylvain Malroux. “The first time I saw him play, I knew he had incredible potential,” Malroux said. “He’s not a typical grinder; his aggressive, one-handed backhand and powerful serve set him apart.”
At Nevada, Kadiri quickly adapted, finding support and comfort under Malroux, a native of France, with whom he shares cultural and linguistic ties. “The connection with Coach Sylvain was key,” Kadiri said. “The program’s competitive nature and success made it an easy choice.”
Since joining Nevada, Kadiri has thrived, delivering a strong fall season and contributing to the team’s push for the Mountain West title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. His playing style is defined by an aggressive approach, featuring a versatile one-handed backhand, a powerful 125 mph serve, and excellent net skills, setting him apart from baseline-focused players.
Kadiri’s work ethic and humility have impressed his coaches and teammates off the court. “He’s incredibly hardworking and always open to learning,” Malroux said. “It’s a joy to coach someone so motivated and receptive.”
As he approaches the end of his collegiate career, Kadiri has set his sights on professional tennis. Malroux believes Kadiri has the talent and determination to enter the top 100 rankings and potentially represent Morocco in the 2028 Olympics.
From Casablanca to the U.S., Kadiri’s journey reflects resilience and ambition. With his Moroccan roots and global aspirations, he is poised to impact the international tennis scene.