The 26-year-old became the first Egyptian female player to win a main draw match at Roland Garros, having beaten Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in two sets (6-3, 7-5) last month.

"Making history is not something you do every day. Advancing to the second round in the French Open is a dream for every Egyptian, Arab and African tennis player. I am so proud to be one of those who opened this door," she said with a big smile.

Sherif also became only the second Egyptian to win a Roland Garros main-draw match after iconic player Ismail Shafei.

She was scheduled to play against Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek in the second round but the match was cancelled after Sherif withdrew from the competition due to a foot stress fracture injury.

"The injury occurred in my left foot while I was preparing to hit the ball, no false moves, but it happened," Sherif told Ahram Online in an interview.

"Now, I am undergoing medical treatment. The recovery phase will take from six to eight weeks. I will hopefully return back to action in August."

Sherif also managed to win the singles and doubles titles for a second consecutive year at the Liqui Moly Open in Karlsruhe, Germany, last month. 

She defended her singles title after beating Bernarda Pera of the United States 6-2, 6-4. She captured the doubles title as well along with Hungary's Pana Udvardy, defeating Russia's Yana Sizikova and Belgian Alison van Uytvanck.

Sherif then set another milestone after becoming the first Egyptian to break into top 50 of the world ranking, climbing up to the 49th place.

"Ranking is a number. As long as you work for the highest level, the rank will follow you. It is the biggest goal that I have accomplished … and a great responsibility to move forward too," she said.

Sherif is currently 50th in the WTA ranking for singles and 95th for doubles.

Her next big challenge is the US Open, which will take place from 29 August to 11 September.

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