Tennis: I may never go back to Bopanna, says Aisam

Pakistan tennis ace willing to pair with Sania for mixed doubles.

KARACHI: Aisamul Haq Qureshi might never team up with Rohan Bopanna again if he gets the desired results with new partner Jean-Julien Rojer.

The popular duo of Aisam and Bopanna split last year after the latter teamed up with Mahesh Bhuphatti in order to prepare for the London Olympics. Both players had shown willingness to reunite after the mega event. But Aisam has hinted at the possibility of that never happening if he gets good results with Rojer.

“I may continue with Rojer for a longer period,” Aisam told reporters at the Karachi Press Club. “This year I’m committed to Rojer and if we produce good results, I may not consider the possibility of reuniting with Bopanna.”

Aisam and Rojer were ousted in the third round of the doubles event at the Australia Open, with the Pakistani maintaining that that the duo will take time to get into rhythm.

Willing to pair with Mirza

The 32-year old, who became the first Pakistani to reach the Australian Open quarters, hinted at the possibility of teaming up with Sania Mirza in the future.

“We can form a strong team considering our rankings,” said Aisam. “I may look into the option next year and it’ll be huge for promotion of tennis in the subcontinent.”

Djokovic targets grand slams

Meanwhile, world number one Novak Djokovic declared that he will be targeting victories at all the grand slams this year after kicking off 2012 in style by successfully defending his Australian Open crown.

That would mean bagging his first French Open title later in the year where the world number one’s best showing has been a semi-final finish. A victory at the Roland Garros will make Djokovic the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four majors simultaneously, after having won the Wimbledon and the US Open titles last year.

The Serb said that being successful at grand slams is one of his most important goals.

“I’m prioritising grand slams this year, like every year, as well as the Olympics,” he said. “I think that’s one of my biggest goals. I want to get to my first final in Paris. I’ve never been in the final there and I’m ready to achieve that.”

About his record five-hour-and-53-minute slugfest against Rafael Nadal in the title-decider, Djokovic admitted that playing in the epic encounter at times became painful for him but he still enjoyed every minute of it.

“You’re in pain, you’re suffering, you know that you’re trying to activate your legs, you’re trying to push yourself another point,” said Djokovic. “You are going through so much suffering that your toes are bleeding. Everything is just outrageous but you’re still enjoying that pain.”(With Additional Input from AFP)

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2012