After Halle, Aisam aims for Wimbledon glory

Tennis ace has no complaints on being snubbed for award.

KARACHI:

Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi may have spent a strenuous season in Europe along with his Indian doubles partner Rohan Bopanna, but just the thought of winning the Wimbledon title gives him renewed energy.

The ATP Gerry Weber Open triumph in the doubles category in Halle, Germany, has not quenched the thirst of the seasoned Pakistani player who has the dream of winning a grand slam.

Prior to Halle, the duo participated in various tournaments including the French Open that concluded early this month. But Aisam, eagerly looking forward to Wimbledon that starts on June 20, is showing no signs of tiredness.

"It's my dream to win a grand slam," the tennis ace told The Express Tribune from Eastbourne. "Winning Wimbledon will be the icing on the cake. Naturally, we're spending a very hectic season but just the thought of Wimbledon wipes out all the fatigue."

Halle triumph a huge boost

However, Aisam felt the recent triumph in Halle was a huge boost for him and his partner.

"Since we'll face almost the same opponents as we did in Halle, the victory has given us a huge morale and confidence boost ahead of Wimbledon."

Although, the Indo-Pak Express crashed out of SW19 in the quarter-finals last year, Aisam is hopeful of better results this time around.

"We've developed into a fine combination. People hardly knew us last year but things are different now and we're aiming at the title."

Meanwhile, Aisam and Bopanna are set to give final touches to their preparation as they will participate in the Eastbourne Tennis Championship this week.

No regrets on missing Bhutto award

Although the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) protested on Aisam's snub for the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's Sportsman (ZABS) of the Year award for the third time in succession, the veteran has no complaints on being ignored.

"I don't have any harsh feelings towards sports authorities," he said. "My work is to serve the country by performing well and it's up to them to decide whether I get the award or not."

The Pakistan Sports Board recently honoured hockey goal-keeper Salman Akbar (Asian Games gold medallist) and Saf Games gold medallists Naseem Hameed and Sara Nasir with the 2010 ZABS awards.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2011.