LAHORE, Aug 23: Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq is the first Pakistani in 34 years who will appear in the singles main draw at the US Open next week after qualifying through a tough round of matches.

Having already gained direct entry into the doubles event with partner Rohan Bopanna of India, Aisam participated in the singles qualifying event last week.

A player needs to win three best-of-three-set matches in a row to qualify for the main draw.

In the first round, Aisam beat Ricardo Mello of Brazil 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

He faced Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in the second round and defeated him 6-4, 7-6(9).

In the third round, Aisam lost the first two sets to Czech Republic’s Jan Hernych 4-6, 3-6.

But according to the new system initiated by the ATP, players who lose in the final round of the qualifying draw have their names put in a ballot, and from this, names are drawn of players who will be allowed entry into the main draw in case of withdrawal of any of the players.

Lady luck smiled on Asiam as his name came out in the ballot.

It is first time since 1974 that the Pakistan flag will be seen in the singles main draw of the US Open.

Aisam will face Carlos Moya of Spain in the first round.

—APP