Pakistan endured mixed fortunes on the opening day of their Davis Cup tie against Hong Kong when the tourists’ number two Aqeel Khan kept his team alive after a shock loss handed to Aisamul Haq Qureshi in the day’s opening match.
Aqeel beat Martin Sayer after Pakistan went 1-0 down courtesy Hiu-Tung Yu’s five-set win over Aisam at Victoria Park in Hong Kong.
‘Aisam wasn’t ready to play singles’
“I think Aisam wasn’t ready to play singles as he’s constantly been playing doubles,” former Pakistan captain Rasheed Malik told The Express Tribune.
“It’s really tough for a player who plays doubles to come out all of a sudden and contest a singles match.”
Aisam, Pakistan’s most successful Davis Cup player, lost the first set 7-6 but fought back to win the next two 6-4 and 7-6.
However, Aisam’s happiness was short-lived as Yu came back strongly to win the final two frames 7-5 and 6-4 to get the hosts’ campaign off to a winning start as both teams look for progress.
‘Fitness and age a factor for Aisam’
“Playing singles is a different ball game altogether and to adjust to that, you need to be well prepared and fit enough.
“The match went on for five sets and that shows how tough it would’ve been.
“Fitness might’ve played a part in the loss for Aisam but I think age is another important factor.”
Aqeel demolishes opponent in straight sets
In the other match, Aqeel demolished Sayer in straight sets 7-6, 7-5, 6-4 to keep Pakistan’s chances alive.
“Aqeel had ample time to prepare ahead of the event, his preparation paid dividends and resulted in an outstanding victory.
“Despite the mixed result today for Pakistan, I think they have a great chance to bounce back in the doubles and I think Aisam has the ability to turn things around then with the experience that has in that format.”
Shattered confidence
Speaking to The Express Tribune prior to the match, Aisam had shown great confidence and had insisted that the tourists will have no trouble getting past the hosts as they are fully prepared for the challenge.
“I am sure we will beat them,” Qureshi had said. “I expect a tough contest but we are fully prepared to take on the challenge.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2011.
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