KARACHI: Pakistan’s top tennis player Aqeel Khan said he isn’t a clay court player after losing his opening match to Spanish fourth seed Pere Riba at the Serena Hotels ITF Futures Tennis Tournament in Islamabad on Tuesday.

“Riba is a good player and he played well in the match,” Aqeel said in an interview. “I created chances but he was a better player ... at least on the clay court.”

Aqeel was critical of the organisers’ selection of clay courts for the tournament.

“I feel the tournament should have been organised either on grass or hard court,” he lamented. “Clay court has never been preferred by Pakistan players. I objected to the selection of the court. I am hopeful that we would opt against clay court when an international tournament is organised in our backyard next time.”

He added the Pakistan players should’ve got home advantage.

“I think all of our players are not comfortable on clay court,” he said. “At least I’m not. Clay court would be the last option for me to play on if I am asked.”

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2017