ATP Challenger Cup kicks off in Islamabad
A player in action during Pakistan ATP Challenger Cup. PHOTO: PTF
The Pakistan ATP Challenger Cup officially commenced on November 23 at the PTF Tennis Complex in Islamabad.
A total of 25 international players from Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Australia, Italy, Bulgaria, Austria, Sweden, Georgia, Great Britain, and Switzerland, along with 10 top Pakistani players, are participating in this prestigious event. This marks a historic moment, as the tournament is being held in Pakistan for the very first time.
Elias Ymer of Sweden, currently ranked 169 in the ATP World / PIF rankings, is the top seed, while Jay Clarke of Great Britain, ranked 213, is the second seed of the tournament.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), expressed his happiness and pride on this landmark achievement. He stated that after extensive and dedicated efforts, the ATP has finally granted Pakistan the opportunity to host this event.
“In my entire career, I have always played this tournament outside Pakistan. Today, I am fortunate and proud to play it in my own country,” said Mr. Qureshi.
He thanked the ATP for its support and warmly welcomed all participating players to Pakistan, adding that this is also a great opportunity for local players to gain ATP points.
The PTF Secretary General also highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that hosting an ATP event in Pakistan for the first time is a major achievement for the Federation.
He added that this tournament provides an excellent opportunity for Pakistani players to compete at a higher level and earn valuable ranking points.
Results
Men's Singles - Round of 32
[6] Mert Alkaya (TUR) d [Q] Samir Iftikhar (PAK) 62 62
[Alt] Dinko Dinev (BUL) d [WC] Aqeel Khan (PAK) 46 76(5) 61
[WC] Muzammil Murtaza (PAK) d [Q] Yousaf Khalil (PAK) 63 36 62
Nikita Bilozertsev (UKR) d [3] Saba Purtseladze (GEO) 62 30 Retired
Gian Luca Tanner (SUI) d [Alt] Alexey Aleshchev 61 63
[4] Denis Yevseyev (KAZ) d [Alt] Ivan Gretskiy 76(7) 63
[7] Leo Borg (SWE) d [Alt] Matthias Ujvary (AUT) 62 64
Dragos Nicolae Cazacu (ROU) d Preston Brown (USA) 76(2) 64
Zach Stephens (GBR) d [Alt] Gokberk Saritas (TUR) 61 60
Johan Nikles (SUI) d [Alt] Adrian Arcon (AUS) 61 61
Men's Doubles - Round of 16
Nikita Bilozertsev (UKR)/Preston Brown (USA) d [WC] Hamaza Roman (PAK)/Abubakar Talha (PAK) 62 75