Down but not out, says Aisam

Tennis star terms the year successful despite London setback.

KARACHI: The ATP World Tour Finals loss has disappointed Aisamul Haq Qureshi but the Pakistan tennis ace has vowed to bounce back and reminded everyone of the wins he registered throughout the year.

Aisam and his doubles partner Rohan Bopanna of India lost three successive matches in London and finished their much-awaited campaign at the bottom of Group B. However, Aisam, who was ranked ninth before the London Masters drubbing, said the year was a
successful one.

"We had a successful year and to be honest I feel that this is just the beginning," Aisam told The Express Tribune. "We'll try and make a comeback and be present at the London Masters next year as well. It's unfortunate that we didn't get through to the semis but we played among the best in the world and that makes a difference."

Aisam added that it was a dream come true for him to play in London and he was pleased at his performance.

"It's the biggest and the most prestigious event of the year and being able to be part of it is something I'm happy about. Now my next goal is to try and maintain my doubles rankings," added Aisam, who needs to be ranked among the top 10 players till May 2012 to confirm his place at the London Olympics.

Aisam said his focus,now,  was to do well in the Australian Open and aim to win the Davis Cup matches for Pakistan that will be played in Lahore against Lebanon.

"I had a good year. Winning and losing is part of the learning process," said the 31-year-old before adding that age was still on his side, citing the example of India's Mahesh Bhupati and Leander Paes who are older but still going strong.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2011.