I belong among the best: Aisam
Aisamul Haq Qureshi is not treating his men’s doubles loss in the US Open semi-final against the Bryan brothers as a defeat – he is celebrating the fact that his performance is improving after having made it to the second week of all four Grand Slams played this year.
This year, Aisam, and partner Jean-Julien Rojer, made it to the third round of the Australian Open and Wimbledon while the French Open, just like the US Open, saw them reach the semis only to lose to the Bryan brothers. Two years ago, Aisam had to settle for runners-up spots in the men’s and mixed doubles in New York, with the Bryans having a hand in both results. But now, aged 32, Aisam knows a major title is not too far.
“The 2010 US Open was my first experience at such a huge stage but now, I definitely believe I belong here among the top players,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “In fact, I know I can win a Grand Slam. I’ve had lots of ups and downs this year but I’ve also won two doubles titles – Halle and Gerry Weber – and just reaching the semi-finals of two grand slams is a huge achievement.
“Losing to the Bryans was disappointing but to be the best, you need to beat the best. I’ve beaten them in the past so maybe next time when we meet, it’ll be my turn to progress.”
Aisam was forced to pair up with Rojer after Bopanna, in order to prepare himself better for the 2012 London Olympics, decided to part ways. While Aisam confirmed that the new pairing may not be a long-term solution, he was happy with the results and aimed at a top-10 finish at the end of the year.
“The first few weeks of the year were very tough but we’ve been able to turn things around quite quickly. We’ve worked hard on the game as well as the communication and we’ve overcome all the issues. The past three to four months, we’ve been very, very consistent.”
Missing out of the Olympics, though, was a huge setback for Aisam since it was his aim since the start of the year as well. After having played in all four grand slams, as well as most ATP events on the calendar, Aisam, despite age not being on his side, is confident that he can tick that box before he retires.
“I was gutted to have missed the Olympics but if I stay fit and healthy, I’ll give it another go in four years’ time. Age is not an issue, you see Leander Paes, he’s 38 but playing so well. So I’m still hopeful.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2012.
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Aisam is a doubles player so he may belong among the best in doubles matches or players but certainly a far cry from from being mentioned in the category of singles greats. Plus even in doubles he hasnt won a grandslam yet so this greatness talk is very very premature as of right now. On the contrary if he switches to singles and consistently get the quartersfinals for next few years then we can say he belongs among the best.
He means he is one of the best.you guys are taking it wrongly.
Cut him some slack. He most likely meant among best from Pakistan as he's certainly not upto mark to be best in world.
This sense of entitlement and lack of humility is shocking! No wonder he still can't cross the semis in tournaments which really count.
It is ET who put this headline to grab attention of readers like us, not Aisam. Boy we don't take a second to ride on our high moral horse and pass judgments right left and centre. @McCoy and since when you became the arbiter of judging who is a 'true tennis fan'? The fact is you are sitting in your PJs (probably admiring the download speed of your broadband while downloading boxsets of average TV series) and taking precious time out to spread pearls of your wisdon in comment sections of newspapers, while those 'lowly small fish in small ponds' are out here competeing against elite athletes and winning great matches.
In Pakistan you need to tell that your the best. Else no one will...
Not sure why everyone is blaming him for making this statement.Aisam is always humble and down to earth guy.Its just that self motivation we need sometime to claim we belong to the best.Get life people and praise the guy for standing among best.Although belong to the nation who hardly produced any first class player. @Mcoy thanks for the bitter truth..Aisam is stil a hero among 200 millions people of his country.
@mccoy . dude its your own loss that you dont give credit to your heroes like the bryans may be .. we in pakistan think of Aisam as one of the greatest tennis players we have ever produced and hopefully he will inspires youngsters to make a name for themselves in singles event as well.. dont try to freaking impose your thinking on others
ok ,wotever u say guys .. theres no harm in thinking u are the best ..its boosts one's confidence .. i bet most of u think u r the best , u may not choose to say it aloud though and thats ur point of view .. btw mohammed ali used to say these kinds of things as well ..its more like challenging ur opponents
Dude you have earned respect....now dont lose it by making such statements. We respect you but even novak djokovic isnt among greats. So have mercy for God's sake
Let me tell you a bitter truth. The world does not care about doubles tennis. Only second rate players ranked who are not even ranked in the top 50s play. The greatest doubles players who have ever played the game, the Bryan brothers, are practically unknown here in the US. They could be walking down the street and nobody will know them from Adam. Even lowly India who is not a tennis power by anyone's reckoning has won a bunch of the doubles grand slams, but which true tennis fan remembers or cares?
To really make an impact, we should aim to produce Federer's not play in the baby pool in second rate events. Shoot high dear friends and don't give so much coverage to what is not important. And don't cover your sports pages with Aisam this or Aisam that when the subject matter is not worthy of attention.
I belong among the best: Aisam usually,the best never admit that they are the best,they say"getting better never stops" or "i want to be the best" or"impossible is nothing". ego will only lead to downfall, anyway good luck.
@Sir King Kong Bunty: Why you have to be negative ... he really does stand among the best, 2010 US open finalist, 2011/12 US open Semi finalist- its just that he can't beat brayn Brothers .... No doubt he have the skills ... and is the best from PAKISTAN
Hmm he should wina grand slam before he can even think along these lines....look at RF. What a gentleman. Arguably the best after Bjorn Borg but so humble, down to earth, and a through gentleman.