Quick start the key for Pakistan: Aqeel

Tennis ace urges teammates to seize early momentum against Thailand

KARACHI: Tennis star Aqeel Khan has stressed the need for Pakistan team to be quick out of the blocks and win their opening-day matches of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group II final against Thailand, scheduled to begin in Islamabad on September 15.

Pakistan will be playing the second-seeded Thai side in the ultimate tie, with a win earning them a promotion to Group I, just like it did in 2016.

"I feel we have a good chance but we need to plan our tie better," Aqeel told The Express Tribune. "The fact is that Thailand is a very strong side and we can't relax on the first day. We need to win all our singles rubbers because they are very good in doubles."

Aqeel confirmed that the Davis Cup team will feature the talismanic Aisamul Haq Qureshi, who is currently competing in the US Open, whereas trials to pick the remainder of the roster will resume after Eid, with the team likely to be finalised by September 8.

"The other two players are important and we'll know them soon," he said. "The trials have been taking place."

Aqeel further said the new courts at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Complex are in great condition to host Davis Cup matches.

"I've been practising in Islamabad with one of the top eight players Mehmood Khan for the last two weeks, and the court there is great," said Aqeel. "Our specialist Inamullah, who is renowned for making the best grass courts, helped making these courts for Davis Cup."

Pakistan got a bye in the second round of Davis Cup when Hong Kong refused to visit the country back in April.

Despite a remarkably improved security situation of late, the stigma of previous years mean that tennis authorities have struggled to convince foreign teams to come and visit.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) did, however, get a rare relief in February when Iran visited Pakistan for their Davis Cup tie.