Federer-"sponsored" kid to make his professional tennis debut at Indian Wells

Many will remember that endearing scene of a child asking Roger Federer during a press conference at the 2017 US Open if he could remain active for about eight more years to play against him when he turned professional. Back then, Izyan Zizou Ahmad was 7 years old. Some time later, Roger's sponsors arranged a surprise for young Zizou, and he got to play with him for a while in Switzerland during a tournament of his age group. Well, that kid is now 15 years old, one of the best in his generation in the United States, and has been invited to the qualifying draw of Indian Wells 2026. Mind-blowing.

Do you remember the little Zizou who asked Roger Federer a question in the press room before playing with him? 🥹

Well, Izyan Zizou Ahmad (15 years old) will make his debut on the ATP circuit, invited for the qualifying rounds of Indian Wells 2026!pic.twitter.com/BMuKdHK4xa

— Univers Tennis 🎾 (@UniversTennis) February 27, 2026

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El niño "apadrinado" por Federer hará su debut en el tenis profesional en Indian Wells