Aisam, Rojer ousted in first round

Tennis ace still upbeat about new pairing despite Sydney loss.

KARACHI: Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his new partner Jean-Julien Rojer crashed out in the first round of the doubles event at the Sydney International, going down fighting to the top-ranked team of Mike and Bob Bryan 7-5, 6-4.

The loss continued the pair’s disappointing run, which saw them exit the Brisbane International last week in the first round as well. However, Aisam was encouraged by the show he and his partner put up against tough opponents.

“It was ugly tennis,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “I haven’t played in such windy conditions before but I can’t use this as an excuse for our defeat. I think it’ll be a matter of five to six matches before we get the hang of playing together. All we need is one win.”

Aisam and Rojer are seeded eighth at the Australian Open and the Pakistani insists he is not missing playing with his former partner Rohan Bopanna.

“I’m not even thinking about Bopanna. I’m convinced that I can win a grand slam with Rojer,” he maintained.

Kvitova closes in on top-ranking

Meanwhile, Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova closed in on the top-ranking following world number one Caroline Wozniacki’s 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss to Agnieszka Radwanska in the women’s singles event. Kvitova set up a semi-final clash with China’s Li Na after an emphatic 6-0, 6-4 victory over Daniela Hantuchova. Li beat Czech Lucie Safarova 6-2, 7-6, while Victoria Azarenka downed Marion Bartoli 7-5, 6-4. With additional input from AFP

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2012.