‘Fully-fit’ Aisam gears up for ATP Tour
Pakistan tennis ace claims fitness not a cause for low ranking in singles.
LAHORE:
Pakistan tennis star Aisamul Haq Qureshi defended his fitness levels while claiming he is determined to bag a title this year. Aisam leaves for London today to participate in the European leg of the ATP Tour. He will also take part in the ATP Master Championships in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome.
“It’s a tough task as winning an event is not very easy,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “I managed to win the ATP World Tour 250 last year in Johannesburg and participated in the 500 series. This month I’ll be playing the 1000 series and that’s a good sign as I’m gaining experience and competing at my best,” said Aisam.
Meanwhile, after finishing runners-up in the doubles event of the US Open, Aisam has few achievements to boast about but the Pakistan player remained confident.
“I aim to move forward slowly and gradually. What’s more important is that I’m producing consistent results and I’m sure I’ll be able to secure the Master series title this year.”
Following the event, Aisam will play in the French Open which will be his last major tournament on clay. The 31-year-old will then participate in the Grass Court Series starting with the ATP Championship in Halle, Germany before he takes part in the ATP Championship in Hertogenbosch and the all England Lawn Tennis Championship of Wimbledon.
“I know my doubles record on clay hasn’t been impressive but the experience that Rohan Bopanna and I attained in recent years could help us improve so that we play to the best of our abilities,” said Aisam, who is currently ranked number 12 on the ATP doubles ranking list.
“My target is to enter the top ten of the list in the forthcoming season in Europe.”
Low ranking in singles
When asked whether it was due to lack of fitness that he was not playing enough singles events, the 31-year-old Aisam said it was because of his low ranking in that category that prevented him from participating in bigger events.
“I do practice a lot for the singles but unfortunately due to my low ranking in this category, I can’t participate in bigger events. However, if we look at my doubles ranking, I’ve recently jumped to number 12.
“Even when I last played my singles match in the Davis Cup, though I lost on that day, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t fit for the singles,” added Aisam.
“I’ve been winning the Davis Cup so losing the first tie against Hong Kong in the singles category is not a big deal. However, I hope more youngsters make their way into the international arena so that the pressure on me and Aqeel Khan is reduced,” said Aisam.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2011.
Pakistan tennis star Aisamul Haq Qureshi defended his fitness levels while claiming he is determined to bag a title this year. Aisam leaves for London today to participate in the European leg of the ATP Tour. He will also take part in the ATP Master Championships in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome.
“It’s a tough task as winning an event is not very easy,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “I managed to win the ATP World Tour 250 last year in Johannesburg and participated in the 500 series. This month I’ll be playing the 1000 series and that’s a good sign as I’m gaining experience and competing at my best,” said Aisam.
Meanwhile, after finishing runners-up in the doubles event of the US Open, Aisam has few achievements to boast about but the Pakistan player remained confident.
“I aim to move forward slowly and gradually. What’s more important is that I’m producing consistent results and I’m sure I’ll be able to secure the Master series title this year.”
Following the event, Aisam will play in the French Open which will be his last major tournament on clay. The 31-year-old will then participate in the Grass Court Series starting with the ATP Championship in Halle, Germany before he takes part in the ATP Championship in Hertogenbosch and the all England Lawn Tennis Championship of Wimbledon.
“I know my doubles record on clay hasn’t been impressive but the experience that Rohan Bopanna and I attained in recent years could help us improve so that we play to the best of our abilities,” said Aisam, who is currently ranked number 12 on the ATP doubles ranking list.
“My target is to enter the top ten of the list in the forthcoming season in Europe.”
Low ranking in singles
When asked whether it was due to lack of fitness that he was not playing enough singles events, the 31-year-old Aisam said it was because of his low ranking in that category that prevented him from participating in bigger events.
“I do practice a lot for the singles but unfortunately due to my low ranking in this category, I can’t participate in bigger events. However, if we look at my doubles ranking, I’ve recently jumped to number 12.
“Even when I last played my singles match in the Davis Cup, though I lost on that day, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t fit for the singles,” added Aisam.
“I’ve been winning the Davis Cup so losing the first tie against Hong Kong in the singles category is not a big deal. However, I hope more youngsters make their way into the international arena so that the pressure on me and Aqeel Khan is reduced,” said Aisam.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2011.