Davis Cup: Uzbek star Istomin praises Pakistani tennis duo

World number 83, who defeated Djokovic last year, says touring country was a good experience

KARACHI: Uzbekistan finished 4-1 winners in their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania tie against hosts Pakistan and star of the show, Denis Istomin, has said he is happy at having played in the country.

"It was a good experience," world number 83 Istomin, who defeated the then world number two Novak Djokovic in 2017, told The Express Tribune. "Everybody was saying it is a very dangerous country but we are very surprised; the hospitality and the people are very nice."

Istomin feels luck and hard work played their part in Uzbekistan winning the tie, saying that Pakistan’s duo of Aqeel Khan and Aisamul Haq Qureshi provided great resistance and played well.

"The matches show Asiam was playing very well," said Istomin, whose first clash against Aisam went into a marathon tie-breaker that eventually led to the dehydrated Aisam having to retire hurt in the second set.

Istomin then defeated Aqeel in the reverse single. "It is not easy to play against any team that has the home advantage,” he said. “Aisam was very good. Aqeel played our second best player and won, but I feel he couldn't concentrate in the second single. For us the doubles match was excellent, we were not hoping it to be easy at all but we got lucky."

After day one finished 1-1, Pakistan lost their crucial day two doubled match as Istomin and Jurabek Karimov claimed a 6-2, 6-4 win.

‘Government must help tennis’

Istomin feels now that foreign teams are playing in Pakistan, the standard of tennis should improve. "Pakistan is open [for international events] but the International Tennis Federation (ITF) doesn't allow much so the Pakistan government should support more international tournaments for the players to compete in. That can improve tennis."

The spectacled Uzbek feels the next generation of tennis needs to have international tournaments to compete in. "I feel Aisam is among the best around — he is in the top ATP doubles ranking — and Aqeel is very good too, but they are old and international tournaments are needed for younger players.”

Uzbek tennis and personal goals

Istomin also discussed the quality of tennis back home. "Uzbek tennis has a lot of history and legendary players," said Istomin. “Uzbekistan has more hard courts. In Pakistan there are grass courts so the style of the game is different. I really like the people in Pakistan though and I could enjoy their food since we are both Muslim countries, even if it was a little spicier than back home.”

The 31-year-old Uzbek revealed he wants to continue playing for as long as he can. "I am at an age where I have stopped making goals," said Istomin. "New players are very good, they give competition. My goal is to stay healthy and do what I love to do — play tennis."

The Uzbek team will be playing India in the next round.