Injured Aisam confident of team’s chances

Pakistan’s tennis ace hopeful of Davis Cup win without him.

KARACHI: Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi is confident that the team will do well in its upcoming Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II semi-final against Philippines despite his forced absence from the squad.

Aisam withdrew from the tie, which starts on April 6, after being ruled out of action for several weeks due to a knee injury. Jalil Khan was named his replacement but Aisam’s absence, with all his international experience, will be a huge setback to Pakistan’s hopes and chances.

However, Aisam felt the team has the potential of winning the tie without him.

“The team has the potential,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “Philippines have inexperienced players and our team is still better despite my absence. Aqeel Khan has plenty of experience and his form will be crucial to Pakistan’s chances.”

Meanwhile, Aisam said that he was left with no choice after being warned by experts that the injury could turn chronic if he persisted on playing.

“I had been carrying the injury for six weeks. I even played our last Davis Cup tie in pain. I cannot perform further by carrying such an injury and playing the singles matches have become impossible. It’s better to give some other player a chance. Hopefully, my decision will go in Pakistan’s favour.”

The tennis player added that was not in a position to plan on his international assignments.

“Right now I cannot even train properly. I will decide in a week’s time after taking advice from doctors.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2012.