Aisam gives us reason to celebrate

Aisamul Haq Qureshi’s win in the doubles event of the Miami Masters came as welcome relief for fans and his country’s Davis Cup team members alike. The 33-year-old enjoyed an excellent week and, together with Dutchman Jean-Julien Rojer, grabbed the spotlight at the perfect time. With Pakistan due to play their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II tie against New Zealand in Myanmar from April 5, Aisam’s victory gives his side a much-needed boost and sends out a reminder that the country’s sports — and not just cricket — is very much alive and kicking.

While Pakistani sports fans got a chance to finally rejoice at a sporting victory, after they had little reason to do so following disappointing results of the national cricket team in South Africa, Aisam’s Davis Cup teammates and coach were pleased to see their trump card in form, ahead of their clash where a win would do wonders for their promotion to Group I. In addition, the grass courts in Myanmar, a neutral venue chosen for the tie against New Zealand since security conditions don’t allow for such an event to take place in Pakistan, are also well suited for our players. With a lot resting on Aisam’s shoulders ahead of the tie, his fatigue levels — after he boards a long flight to Myanmar — will have to be managed well by the team management, along with his workload. Responsibility will also have to be shared among other team members, most of whom have had little match practice.

Coming back to the triumph in Miami, it was Aisam and Rojer’s first of the year, the pair’s third together and the Pakistani’s seventh overall. It was also special since it was Aisam’s first title with the Dutch in an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event and signals their intention of bagging a Grand Slam, something which has so far eluded the Pakistani tennis ace. With Aisam running out of time and no other contenders from the country, this might be the year when Pakistan can record its name among the winners of a Grand Slam trophy.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2013.