Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi announces retirement from professional tennis

He bids farewell during the country’s first ATP Challenger tournament in Islamabad

In a bittersweet moment for Pakistan sport, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi formally announced his retirement from professional tennis on Monday night, during the opening ceremony of the ATP Challenger Pakistan in Islamabad.

The first ATP Challenger tournament ever held in the country.

Qureshi, 45, who also serves as president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), said staging the international event on home soil was a “dream come true.” Earlier this month, at a press conference unveiling the tournament, he had emphasised the historic nature of the milestone.

 

 

 

 

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On Monday evening, the crowd fell silent as Qureshi, fighting back emotion under the lights, told the audience: “I don’t know if my tears are for my career or hosting the challenger cup as president.”

The PTF described his retirement as the “conclusion of an era'.

"His legacy will continue to inspire upcoming players and contribute to the growth and recognition of tennis across the nation.” the federation said in a post on social media.

A career of landmark firsts

The right-handed player turned professional in 1998 and remains the only Pakistani tennis player to have reached a Grand Slam final, competing in both the men’s and mixed doubles at the 2010 US Open. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of 125 in December 2007 and climbed to No. 8 in doubles in June 2011 alongside his recently retired Indian partner, Rohan Bopanna. Earlier this month, the ATP Tour honoured Aisam and seven other retired players at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.

Over his career, he claimed 18 tour-level doubles titles including two elite-level ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and remains the most successful player in Pakistan’s history of the Davis Cup. His final tour-level appearance came in a Davis Cup tie in Paraguay in September.

Beyond the court — humanism & impact

Aisam's career was about more than titles. He used his platform to promote peace and goodwill, especially through his partnership with Bopanna. The duo’s campaign, “Stop War Start Tennis,” aimed at fostering harmony between Pakistan and India, earned them global recognition.

His contribution to tennis went full circle when, in February 2024, he was elected president of the PTF, becoming the first active player to lead the national governing body. Under his leadership, Pakistan secured the right to host the ATP Challenger event, marking a key milestone in the revival of high-level tennis in the country.

He is also the recipient of the Pride of Pakistan award in 2004 and the Salam Pakistan Youth Award in 2007.

In his closing remarks on Monday, Qureshi thanked his family, coaches, fellow athletes and the media for their support over his more than two-decade career.

The ATP Challenger Pakistan will now play the role of farewell to a trailblazer but also stand as a hopeful sign of a renewed tennis era in Pakistan.