Bopanna, who parted ways with Aisam at the end of last year and paired up with Mahesh Bhupati keeping the London Olympics in mind, approached Aisam for next season but the Pakistani, while undecided about next year, seemed reluctant to resume the partnership.
“Bopanna is a friend and I love to play with him but right now I am concentrating on making it to the London Masters,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “Right now my priority is to make it back into the top-eight and Rojer is working equally hard with me. We’ve found our way and I don’t think I would want to change that.”
This year, Aisam has won tournaments in Halle and Estoril while also reaching the semi-finals of the US Open.
“It’s always about the team first and I am able to meet all the goals with Rojer. Last year was tricky and I respected Bopanna’s wish but for now I am concentrating on the job at hand. So far my coach thinks that I can achieve the desired results with Rojer so I am sticking to that.”
Since the split, Aisam has managed to keep his ranking in the top-15 doubles players. Currently, he is 13th while Bopanna, who has been banned from representing India by the country’s tennis federation, is 15th.
The highlight of Aisam and Bopanna partnership was when the duo reached the US Open final in 2010 where it lost to Bryan brothers.
“I’m extremely clear about my goals and I know I am working towards making it to the top. Rojer and I had our struggles but we have improved as a team with every tournament so I have to think in terms of results.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2012.
COMMENTS (15)
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Aisam clearly said that if Bopanna in future wants another stint, it would be highly unlikely. He simply did not want to leave his new partner hanging dry and he is doing just that. A perfectly fair call. Friendship is a great thing but they do have individual careers that they must persue.
@ David! Sorry kinder gardner, i never caught your name n the ATP top 10 list. This school kid is so much better then you.
I don't think that the issue must be looked via prism of nation(s).Both Aisam and Rohan were greats together but each of them has full right to form any alliance if they think it's going to work professionally. Bopanna and Bhupati also played together and got into some controversy and trouble.I guess the rejection must not be viewed as rudeness or selfishness, it's all professional.
Wow.. Pakistanis are going ga ga over this school kid Aisam's tennis skill prowess ?? Ha ha ha
Bopana take a walk, you betrayed Asim last year.
@HATIM HUSSAIN: Did you tell that to Bopanna when he left Aisam? Double standards!!
Great work Aisam, was the right thing to do .. squash the Aman ki Aasha please...
A friend in need is a friend indeed. Aisam should rethink about Bopanna's proposal, after all both of them claim to have been very good friends.
These "two ambassadors of peace" couldn't get along?
Absolutely correct. Bopanna and Bhupathy have proved to be characterless. Even if Rohan and Aisam parted ways amicably, Aisam shouldn't jump at Rohan's invite. You can't trust The 2 B's - Bopanna and Bhupathy.
Bopanna, this oldfart Leander Paes is available to be a partner with. Time has come that others have realized that he will soon retire, so before he does, embrace him and go for the glory, wherever it is. Our Aisam is not available to part timers with partners switch habits. Good Luck Bopanna with big mouths such as Bhupathi or Somdev. Paes as I said, is a fart anyway. Leave our Aisam alone, he will be taken care of, and will succeed to reach heights of glory without teaming with any small time player. You know who..;
Bopanna Banned? how about that http://www.tennis.com/news/2012/09/court-suspends-bhupathibopanna-ban/39527/#.UG0ZfLQa33Q
Bopanna turned him down last year and paired up with Bhupatti and Aisam had to find another partner and now that he doesnt have one he comes back to Aisam....
Aisam is better off without him
@sid: Read carefully. He was talking to express news. Things told to journalists get published.
Conversations among friends are not published in media i suppose..........