I belong among the best: Aisam
Pakistan tennis player content with 2012 show; aims for a top-10 finish at year-end.
KARACHI:
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.
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.