Aisam ul-Qureshi, one of the most successful tennis player, 43, could end up playing singles now, during the India vs Pakistan Davis Cup tie, starting Saturday, in Islamabad. If need be, Aisam, who has career-best ranking of 125 in singles, could be seen playing against either Ramkumar Ramanathan or N Sriram Balaji.
The 2010 US Open finalist with Rohan Bopanna, Aisam had played singles in the tie against Indonesia in 2023, Lithuania in 2022, Japan in 2021, and Slovenia in 2020. “I have always considered myself to play singles, but I don’t do it every single time.
“I am preparing for everything, singles and doubles, and the same goes for everyone in the team. We will see. We have one more day of training,” Aisam told PTI.
Former Davis Cup captain Hameed ul Haq also feels that if Aisam and Aqeel Khan play the singles, then it won’t be a one-sided tie against India. “We have got some good results on grass but the Indian team is also very good on this surface. They know what is required.
“I feel India have better chances to win this tie but since Pakistan has two very experienced players in Aqeel Khan and Aisam ul haq Qureshi, if they play singles then the contest will be tight,” he said.
