Despite the importance of Pakistan’s clash against hosts Thailand in the Asia-Oceania Group II final on Friday, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Kaleem Imam wants the players to enjoy their game instead of allowing pressure to get the better of them.
Pakistan last played their last Group II final in 2006, and almost nine years later, the country has a chance to book a spot in Group I for next year.
They will be depending primarily on top players Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan to win the tie, but the squad also includes the likes of Yasir Khan, Muhammad Abid and Samir Iftikhar along with non-playing captain Muhammad Khalid.
“It’s an important tie, but mostly I want our players to enjoy this,” Imam told The Express Tribune.
“If they’ll enjoy the experience and do what they do best, they’re bound to play well.”
The official stated that the team was motivated and confident going into the tie, having beaten the Philippines 3-2 in April.
“This was the first time we defeated the Philippines on their home ground, so the morale is high.”
Imam further said that the federation is hopeful of the team clicking on the day of the tie.
“Our players are talented. We also have Samir in the squad, which is helpful since he is young and energetic. And then we have our main hopes Aqeel and Aisam. Overall, we have a good chance of progressing to Group I,” concluded Imam.
Pakistan leads the head-to-head record against Thailand 4-3. They will play two single’s rubbers on Friday, followed by doubles on day two and reverse singles to conclude the tie on Sunday.
Federer seeks Davis Cup glory
Roger Federer will spearhead Switzerland's bid to reach the Davis Cup final for the first time against Italy in Geneva this weekend, and in doing so, put himself within striking distance of one of the few prizes that have eluded him.
The 17-time grand slam champion has won all the top titles in tennis during his stellar career with the exception of Olympic singles gold and the Davis Cup.
With good friend and Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka at his side and with a modest Italian team in opposition, he may never have a better chance of achieving the latter. Victory over Italy would put the Swiss into a November 21-23 final against either France or defending champions the Czech Republic who will contest the other semi-final in Paris.
Speaking after his loss to Marin Cilic in the US Open semi-finals last weekend, Federer left no doubt about where his focus was.
"Obviously I think we are the favourites, which is always a nice feeling to be,” said Federer. “Having 18,000 people in Switzerland is something very special.
"I think it's going to be record crowd for Swiss. I think people are quite excited to come see Wawrinka and me play, regardless of who it is against.”
In Paris, the Czech Republic will be looking to reach a third straight Davis Cup final in their encounter with France, having won the last two editions of the competition.
And hosts India hope world number one Novak Djokovic's absence will help them upset former champions Serbia in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie starting on Friday.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2014.
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