Playing in Philippines will be difficult, says Aqeel

The teams will face-off in round two of Davis Cup on April 4.

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s top player Aqeel Khan says that the conditions for the national team will be difficult in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania zone Group II tie against Philippines next month.

Aqeel, who won three matches in Pakistan’s first round tie against Vietnam in February, said that it is unfortunate for the team to play their home-tie on their opponent’s choice of surface on April 4.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) made attempts to hold the second round tie at a neutral venue on grass courts in Malaysia and Dubai, but the cost of arranging the event was not feasible. Meanwhile, the International Tennis federation (ITF) has not approved PTF’s proposal to hold the tie in Pakistan.

In this situation, Aqeel said that the attitude of ITF and other countries in Davis Cup is hurting Pakistan’s tennis.

“The conditions are tough in Philippines; they make us play on their courts,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune. “In the last three years, the Philippines federation used clay courts that I’ve only seen in the Philippines and nowhere else. It’s extremely hot, there’s no natural ventilation for fresh air at the venue. Even they know it’s unfair.”

Yasir Khan agrees with teammate on playing conditions

Aqeel’s team-mate in the Davis Cup squad, Yasir Khan, also agreed with the difficulty in facing the conditions in Manila. He said the clay court is usually in the indoor setting and the humidity takes the toll on any foreign player.

“It’s the attitude that isn’t changing. Philippines know that they shouldn’t have to use this strategy. But their courts suit their players and they win. ITF’s attitude needs to change as well,” said Aqeel.

“The security situation in Manila is more or less the same as Pakistan, but we can’t hold a tie here. However, the PTF should now work on this at least six to eight months ahead in future.”

Despite the conditions, Aqeel said that Pakistan will not come across as easy opponents.

“We’ll try our best,” said Aqeel. “Aisam should come to play, since for the last three times he wasn’t there against Philippines.

“We will not make this an easy tie for them. Even they know that if they play against us in Pakistan, they’ll lose.”

Philippines have won the last three encounters against Pakistan at their home ground.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2014.

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