PHOTO: AFP
Citing a knee injury gone bad after his gruelling second-round clash in the men’s doubles event at Wimbledon, he said it would be tough for him to play in the heat and humidity of Indonesia while the surface would not do well for his knee.
“I’m getting the best treatment here in London,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “The doctors have, however, asked me to refrain from taking any risks with my knee as it is swollen. I’m currently working with the physiotherapist so it can heal properly.”
However, he has pulled out of this year’s US tennis league as he does not want to overwork his knee.
Read: Aisam crashes out of Wimbledon
But with hopes of recovering with the help of rehab, Aisam will be looking to compete at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championship in Newport starting July 11 where he will continue treatment with the same therapist. Aisam opted to play the ATP 250 event instead of the Davis Cup due to the strenuous nature of the best-of-five sets in the latter event. Aisam had picked up the injury a week before Wimbledon but still played after an MRI scan came clean. He said it had been a relief being able to take part in the Grand Slam as it was his favourite event of the year.
“I’m happy that I even got to play despite the cartilage problem in my knee,” said Aisam. “It was disappointing to lose 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 4-6. [Gilles] Muller and I missed a few chances against French duo Piere-Hugues Herbet and Nicholas Mahut but we still fought well. Hopefully we’ll pick up the momentum in the upcoming tournament.”
Read: French Open: Aisam, Rodionova lose mixed doubles quarter-finals
‘Youngster need to step up’
In the previous round of the Davis Cup, Pakistan had won 3-2 against Kuwait as Aisam won crucial victories in the singles rubber and doubles category with Aqeel Khan.
This time around, the former US Open finalist believes that despite his absence, Pakistan still have a good chance of qualifying for the next round. “I want them to play their best tennis. It is a good opportunity for the youngsters in the squad such as Samir Iftikhar and Abid Ali Akbar to come forward as they are in top shape and can give Indonesia a good fight,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2015.
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