London Masters remains Aisam’s priority

Pakistan tennis ace wants to end year on a high note.

KARACHI:

While Aisamul Haq Qureshi left for the US where he will take part in three tournaments before the US Open, his priority remains reaching the London Masters, an event that is the ‘most important one for him’.

Although he reached his career-best doubles ranking in June – world number eight – Aisam and his doubles partner, India’s Rohan Bopanna, have had a poor run off late that was capped off by a first-round exit at Wimbledon.

“Our goal is the London Masters,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “We missed out on a spot last year but this time it seems possible if we keep up with the schedule. We’re on the right track. We’ll be playing in Washington, Montreal and Cincinnati and that’s the road to London Masters. The top eight pairs get to play there and we want to end this year on a high.”

According to Aisam, his first-round Wimbledon exit was a setback especially after the Indo-Pak Express triumphed at Halle when they defeated Milos Raonic and Robin Haase in the final. However, he said that a player’s strength was the way he performed when the chips were down.

“It’s a test of mental strength. And now I’m looking forward to the US Open,” added Aisam, who made it to the final of the men’s doubles as well as mixed doubles last year.





Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2011.