96
Hello everyone!
I am Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and I will be communicating with you through this blog, InshaAllah. First off, I want to thank everyone for supporting me through all these years. I really appreciate it and hope that it continues in the future as well!
I will be playing in the Barcelona Open this week. For the last few weeks, I have been grinding it out on dirt (a term we use on tour while playing on clay courts). All my life, I have tried to avoid clay but this year I am taking a different approach by playing in as many clay-court tournaments as possible to give myself a good shot at the French Open.
I made it to two finals in the last three tournaments I have played in so far – a Challenger in Napoli, an ATP tournament in Casablanca and another Challenger in Rome. I actually surprised myself by making it to two back-to-back finals on clay. It was quite disappointing to lose in the final in Morocco as Rohan (Bopanna) and I had a really good chance of winning it. But I guess it was Allah’s way of telling us that we still have a lot to learn on this surface. :)
It was my first time in North Africa and it was a strange experience as it did not seem like an Arab country at all. Everyone preferred to speak French instead of Arabic and even most of the TV channels were in French!
Overall, it was a great tournament, especially because being a Muslim I got a lot of support from the locals.
This will be it for this time. I plan to write another blog before the French Open and another one after it.
Please feel free to ask any questions and InshaAllah, I will try my best to reply to as many as possible (while on tour!).
—Aisam
(Photo illustration by Eefa Khalid)
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (96) Closed
Apr 20, 2010 08:49am
Good luck Aisam, I wish you the very best in all your games!
My question for you is how can Pakistan improve its chances in all the international tournaments, and why there are hardly any quality tennis players in the country?
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:01am
there are so many pakistanis in barcelona, i'm sure you'll get lots of support there too. :) good luck!
are you going to keep focusing on doubles this year too? is this a conscious strategy keeping in mind that you've done well in the format and it might not make sense to switch your focus to single at this stage of your career?
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:07am
Do you have any plan to train players?
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:14am
My prayers are with you for your success. I think you are about 28 years of age and at international level, this is the time when players are past their prime, is this true? and secondly what do think would be the highest point in your career (realistically)??.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:16am
Aisam we are proud of you. You are the sole warrior out there from Pk. It would be great if you can pass your skills and experience to new comers so that they don't need to 'reinvent the wheel' i.e face the same problems as you had and they can jump ahead and in last wish you all the best for your future tournaments.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:17am
Do you have any plans to play in Italy sometime soon? Maybe in the north?
And when you play in all these countries, do you ever have visa problems? Or do you obtain them easily?
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:29am
I just want to wish you all the best and to let you know that the nation is strongly backing you.
In such crucial and depressed times your presence and achievements bring smiles, relief and satisfaction to us all Pakistanis!!!
Go strong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:33am
how has your chemistry with Rohan Bopanna worked and given the current political scenario between the two countries both of you represent, what feedback have the two of you received as regard your self-made "Aman ki Asha"
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:41am
Hey..... I've been your huge supporter since your early playing days. I wish someday you will reach Wimbledon Semi Finals. You have made all Pakistanis proud, keep it up.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:42am
Hhope you get more support from fans because you are a good tennis player than the fact that you are Muslim.
Good luck and don't forget to tweet about it when you beat Federer or Nadal.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:59am
Our 100% support is with you!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:44am
For your information, Marocco, Tunisia, Algeria as well as a few countries in African continent are infact ex french colonies. All these counteries still keep very strong business relations with France and therefore french is widely spoken there.
As British left their language, cricket and whiskey in Pakistan, French left their language, baguette and wine in Morocco, Tunisa, Algeria ...etc.
Goga Nalaik
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:03am
I love you Aisam!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:05am
AOA Aisam
Do you maintain an intense off court training routine while on tour i.e. running 5
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:07am
Hey it's good to hear from u on the dawn blog :)
Good luck in the clay season :)
All the best for Roland Garros :)
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:09am
I wish you all the best and will definitely pray for you. Well done on your win against Federer, it was epic :-)
In the past i have lost hope in most pakistani national sports players, because they lack effort and are really self involved , not naming any names, coz the list is endless.
I just hope I can keep faith in you!
Kat,
Cambs, Uk
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:12am
Wish you all the best,
and when we can see any female tennis player.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:22am
We all love u, u r great player, Wish you all the best
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:46am
Goga you're 100 % right. I was thinking to reply same for Aisam but You did it already.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:49am
Barcelona is nice. dont forget to go and have a look for beaches. The shoping, building and resturents at beach are worth to watch.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:59am
We love u Aisam and always pray for your success. Please write a Blog about your childhood and how you reached to this stage in a country like ours where tennis is rarely seen.
We all wish you best of luck for the Bercelona Open and we are waiting for the time when you will play Wimbledon here in London...
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 11:23am
Aisam,
Your singles ranking is 663 in the world which is quite low. Do you think you will focus on single any more?
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 11:47am
AOA Somi Bhai
we will always support you..........you are our family and nations pride........you are a Pakistani Tennis Legend!!! May Allah guide you well.......both on and off the court!!!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 11:54am
All the best Aisam for your future games.
Give your best in every game which you play. Your achievements have made all the pakistanis proud of you.
Cheers
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:05pm
May Allah bless u amin. all the best for future. u r always in our prayers. but please ply for Pakistan first...
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:25pm
Hello Dear Aisam,
Plz keep playing for Pakistan as much as u can and concentrate on ur game, we all love u and Wish u all the best.
ur well wisher,
Naseer
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:31pm
Salam.......May Allah Success u in Every Tournament and you be the Champion of the Tennis World!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:32pm
Hi Aisam, I've been following you for many years and I would like to congratulate you on your many successes, may there be many more inshallah. I wanted to ask you; what are your main aims for 2010, and what do you hope to accomplish before you retire?
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:39pm
AISAM,IT'S QUITE A GOOD FEELING TO HAVE YOU IN TENNIS FIELD FROM PAKISTAN,I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHY U ARE NOT REGULAR PART PF WIMBLEDON,WE IN PAKISTAN WANT TO SEE YOU IN GRAND SLAMS.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:41pm
All the best to you Aisam and Rohan, your Indian partner. may you both show that the sub conti tennis players have great abilities. Bhagwaan kaa aashirwaad ho aap dono ke saath. God speed ahead.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:46pm
Hi Asam,
I have been following your career since the beginning you have made us all PROUD and I really wish you to win a grand slam that would be like if not bigger then 1992 World Cup.
Thanks,
Wajhi
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:49pm
Best of luck Aisam. Your participation alone in the Tennis tournaments regardless of wins or losses makes us proud. We pray for your continued success in Tennis and life in general.
Best Regards.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:51pm
I like your positive approach. Inshhallah your hard work will be rewarded.
Pay attention to your diet. A good diet can make all the difference.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 12:57pm
Aisam! Kadam barhao! Ham tumharay saath hain!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 01:05pm
dude best of luck, liked reading your blog ! our prayers are wit you !
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 01:19pm
Dear Aisam,
Being the most stable Indo Pak partnership in recent time, I pray that after Leander and Mahesh, you will continue to put our subcontinent in limelight in major events.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 01:33pm
u are never less then tandulakar for Pakistan.
U really worked hard and Inshallah GOD will take care of u.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 02:07pm
I don't understand why Aisam feels the need to throw in so many references to religion in his blog post. You have non-Muslim fans and readers as well!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 03:01pm
You make us proud. Go for it and do your best. Our prayers will always be with you....and actually you are among the few hero's we are left it; just do your best and we will be happy....your fan....always,
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 03:37pm
I would like to ask you whether you intend to let others particularly the youth learn from your talent/expertise so that they too could bring laurels for the country. We have seen the name of our country shining in squash but that ended with jansher khan. to my knowledge now we do not have any world ranking squash player in Pakistan. Would you do something siginificant to pass on the torch of success, to keep the show going. Really the people would rally behind you.
Please keep the ball rolling.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 03:56pm
Aisam, the nation has been focussed on Cricket, Hockey and Squash.
You have added Tennis to that list, we applaud your commitment to
excellence, you are bringing laurels to the country. You have the best
wishes and prayers of every Pakistani, we now want the Government
to recognise your achievements at the world level and fully back you.
Sania's arrival will be good for the game too, inspiring young girls.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 04:14pm
Hey man, best of luck!!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 04:20pm
Best of luck for all the tournaments you take part in!
We're all very proud of you.
Your biggest fan :)
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 04:36pm
GUD LUCK AISAM BHAI!!!!!!!!!!INSHALLAH U WILL BE SUCCSSED
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 05:05pm
hey aisam i dont know much about tennis, but being a Pakistani i really wish u win. best of luck.....:)
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 05:17pm
Best of luck Aisam....I think you should have a twitter page, a celebrity of your level should have a twitter page, even Rohan Bopanna your partner has one....Thanks.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 05:56pm
Dear, u already won....... our heart. God bless you.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 05:57pm
Best of luck
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 06:01pm
Hello Aisam,
First of all Thanks you for all the smiles and happiness you have been giving to us in these desperate times. I am proud of you Aisam and pray Almighty that you will flourish in what you have been doing.
It was one of the greatest news in tennis when you and Rohan beat Federer and it would be further great if you beat him alone. We want to see you playing singles as well.
Keep it up man and when you come to play Wimbledon, I will definitely come to see you there.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 07:03pm
Yur a great player, I am supporting u very much.
Keep up the good form!!
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 07:05pm
What is yur Schedule until Wimbledon?
Salam
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 07:17pm
As a Pakistani, I am proud of your achievements Aisam. You have raised the profile of tennis among Pakistanis. I look forward to hearing more great news of your tennis victories. I know that a lot of international tennis stars have gone on to establish Tennis camps to encourage the next generation of tennis players. Any such plans for an Aisam Ul Haq Tennis Academy in Lahore or elsewhere in Pakistan?
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 08:48pm
Agree with Qaiser, Michael Phillp won 8 Gold medal in swimming for US, he concentrate on his diet specially breakfast. Aisam, do you job Allah will help you.
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:09pm
Dear Aisam, Congratulations and well done. We saw you playing some excellent tennis with Rohan in Napoli, well done and bravo. We all specially Danyal and Nadya were really excitwd to see you in Rome but unfortunately missed due to lack of information in the Italian media. I had prepared a big crowed to cheer for you but no luck, next time (Inshallah). I hope to get advance information. I am really proud of you that you are a rare self made Pakistani. Aisam are you taking part in the Roman event in the coming weeks? please let us know we will come to cheer for you.
Good luck
Dawood Ghani
Rome
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 09:50pm
Aisam,
There are (or used to be) a lot of young, talented players in this country who can't afford to pursue this sport beyond national boundaries. What ideas and suggestions do you have for such players ? Looking at Aqeel Khan, who is as old as you, one feels that his story is as sad as Haroon Rahims'. A super talented player, he reached as high as 300 in the world just by playing Futures events held in Pakistan..if it wasn't for financial reasons, he clearly was a top world class player in his mid-20s. Do you have any ideas to make sure such talent isn't wasted in future? Of course, i realize you're still playing so the question is an honest one and not one to make you feel morally obligated.
thanks
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 10:32pm
You would be amazed to know that so many players could make it to pros...or, at the very least, play good Tenis somewhere. But, it is the exception, rather than the rule, that the Player not be swayed by those who might criticize or say that failure is only a matter of time.
No, success is only a matter of time for those who sincerely seek.
So keep your hopes high, and practice, practice, practice always Remember God helps those who helps them selves.
I wish you luck, work hard and believe in your self, and you are sure to suceed.
Sincerely,
Recommend
0
Apr 20, 2010 11:58pm
Aisam, we wish you the very best. We are big fans of yours over here in the San Francisco Bay Area of the United States. And, we are spreading the word of your successes as well. Any chance you might play a tournament out here in the States, perhaps in California? Best of luck in your clay court preparations.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 01:33am
dude, ur da best! u rock!!! :D
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 02:35am
We are proud of Aisam. He is actual reflection of Pakistanis in international community and talent shows that Pakistanis are second o none. Only our nation needs right diraection. Wish u more successes n why not top if u can beat Frederer. We would like you also to promote Pakistan Tennis and make many Aisams.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 03:16am
Keep it and one day u'll be more than Rafael nodal or Roger federer.!
Inshahallah..Just believe in yourself..!
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 04:32am
Best of luck Aisam. U make us Pakistanis proud. Any plans of opening up training camps all over Pakistan to encourage kids to play tennis? Take care.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 04:48am
Aisam i just want to say that you are the father of tennis in Pakistan and in future you should open an academy in Pakistan for the young people. It would be a great great contribution to the country.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 05:03am
Hi Aisam,
I want my daughter to learn tennis . I reside in Karachi. Is there a specific academy / institution which offers tennis coaching to girls ?
Thanks and best wishes
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 05:05am
All the Best....
with little attention paid to tennis on govt. level ...u r doing amazingly good.
thanks for the smiles in these times of despair...
good luck!
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 05:30am
We pray a lot to see you rise, as first time ever we are hearing a name of Pakistani player in Tennis. You play very good tennis, but recently you are playing doubles only. You have made everyone proud and we wish to see you win Wimbledon :)
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 05:35am
Good luck Aisam, We are proud to have you. Go make us proud again. Bring us the French open. You know, you can do it. Just do it buddy!!!
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 07:07am
This is Jawad Darr and I'm 11 years old. I reside in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. I saw you first time playing in Wibledon and was really proud that someone from Pakistan is making such progress in this game. May Allah give you courage and strength to stand tall in your career.
I also started to play tennis when I was 8 years old. I want to become a professinal tennis player as well. Please let me know your daily practice routine and some work out tips for my age group.
Thanks & wish you all the success in your forthcoming tournament.
JD
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 07:22am
Assalamoalykum Asim-ul-Haq you make us proud. The way you are going, you will beat the best Inshallah ! Best of luck in French open & Wimbledon and bring more good name to Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 09:20am
No questions. Just to tell you we are proud of you in Pakistan. Would pray for your success and follow it throughout the season.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 11:42am
Hello Aisam,
You Rock!!!! :)
Best of luck!!!!
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 01:35pm
Hi AISAM BHAI. I am really curious to know that does your studies get affected?????do reply...please.. and yes you rock in Pepsi's new ad. KEEP ROCKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 02:13pm
You make us all proud! Keep it up and never look back...
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 04:08pm
Hi Aisam,
All the best in your career. May you take Pakistan tennis to great heights and bring a smile on the face of your people. I liked the line when you said " Indians are ur best friends" . It is a good sign of Indo-Pak friendship. Like small drops make an ocean let small signs of friendships foster a new era of Indo -pak peace.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 06:15pm
Hi Aisam,
I will be in Barcelona, for two weeks starting from 25, April, 2010.
I want to see your live match. Can you guide me what are your match schedules?
I would also like to have vedio of your past doubles match with Roger Fedrer in Basel. How can i get that?
Thanks.
Recommend
0
Apr 21, 2010 07:15pm
Thanks to DAWN for bringing the legend here. Good Luck Aisam!
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 12:39am
Aisam,
Great Blog and all the best for French Open!
Continue to make us proud.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 01:22am
Thanks Aisam, please keep the flag of our country always up.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 03:54am
Hi Aisam,
It's Always nice to know that a player from Pakistan is working hard to make his nation proud. Best Of luck, work hard and try to win as many tournaments and grand slams as you can.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 04:13am
Yes of course we as Pakistani can be at no.1 position in all fields but needs hard work. We pray for your bright future and on each court you should not be on defensive but always offensive.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 06:23am
Hello...Aisam it was nice to read your blog..I am die heart fan of yours..used to follow your game, please try to inform us in which tournament you are going to participate and which of the sports channel is going to broadcast it..I have to surf a lot on the internet to find out where are you and which tournament you are going to play... give me information about your activities(tennis)..looking forward to your reply.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 08:26am
Hi,you have made us proud !!
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 09:01am
Hey Aisam, you have played well in doubles. How about really reaching for a grand slam in mixed doubles by looking at Sania Mirza as a potential tennis partner?
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 02:21pm
So much of praise is OK but all those many demands to bring the french open will drown the poor guy under the load of expectations - what if I don't win so many people expecting me to win. Hey Aisam take it easy just play it as a game and not as a sort of war. When I am reading through the comments I feel it is a bit too to expect from a person made of flesh and blood.
And people let the person live his own life.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 04:44pm
Aisam rocks, I watched the match you and Bopana played excellent, better luck next time. InshaAllah you will win, you have our support.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 06:29pm
Really Proud of you my man. Wish you all the best and i hope you rule tennis one day just like our Great KHAN'S has ruled squash.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 07:45pm
Assalam u Alaikum,
Although I don't watch the game you play, but being a Pakistani I always pray for you as well when praying for others...
I wish you play the best and enjoy all the success and achieve all milestones in your life...so we can feel proud of you ...
wish a very good luck in French open.
Recommend
0
Apr 22, 2010 10:45pm
Aisam I would advise you against someone like Sania as a partner for doubles tennis. She is ranked poorly in the world and most observers agree that she is washed up as a tennis player. If you play in mixed doubles, why not contact some of the new Russian tennis sensations? We want you to win!
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2010 01:32am
hey Aisam bhai, I hope you are good and enjoying yourself.. well I just want to say that you are the proud of Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Apr 24, 2010 01:38pm
hey its Sahrma!!! (saima & sarah) we are really proud of you and your success.........x
Recommend
0
May 02, 2010 07:07pm
we are so proud of you :)
Recommend
0
May 04, 2010 08:12am
Asalam-o-Alikum Aisam,
So good to know that you have started this blog. You are the shinning star of the nation. may ALLAH keep you under HIS special blessings. ameen. Sports overall in Pakistan is in a declining stage. But inshALLAH we would fight back. Just like you fought for your passion and your dream. You are the ray of hope for many who strive to achieve some thing for their country and for themselves. I dont know whaty type of support you get from the Govt. and tennis federation but its about time that you get sponsorship. I would also request you to support other potential tennis players in Pakistan and guide them in finding excellence in their sport. Hats off to you.
Best Regards,
Aisha
Recommend
0
May 06, 2010 05:31pm
Aisam, I hope you are great! We really want you to interview you for our college magazine!
best of luck! let me know if you are free!
Best,
Ahmed
Recommend
0
May 06, 2010 06:01pm
Hi Aisam, I am Mohsin from Pindi. While commenting on your blog I am also praying for you to win quarter final of Estoril open. I am watching live scores. I hope you come back hard in second set, as you and Bopanna always do better in second set. Keep blogging.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2010 08:24pm
Aoa Aisam..! we are so proud of you..
This nation is and will always be with you, and our prayers that Allah may be with you always. You are opening gateway to tennis in the country, and first step is always difficult so never b weak.. keep the spirits high always..! Best of luck for comming matches..!
(love you in the Pepsi ad, looking good)
Recommend
0
May 19, 2010 04:55am
Go Aisam!
Recommend
0
May 20, 2010 09:26am
way to gooo Aisam !!!!!!!!!!!!
proud of you ...as always ..best wishes for everything in life
Recommend
0
