KARACHI: Pakistan’s top ranked tennis player Aqeel Khan has expressed satisfaction for what he has contributed to the nation in the last two decades particularly, as far as Davis Cup is concerned.

“I’m more then satisfied for the role I’d played despite lack of resources, finances and coaching facilities at home,” the 40-year-old Aqeel told Dawn on Sunday.

Recently he together with tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq evenly shared honours when Pakistan whitewashed Slovenia 3-0 in the rain-interrupted World Group I playoff at the Islamabad’s Pakistan Sports Board grasscourt.

He said Pakistan had met Slovenia for the first time and won hands down.

“Steering Pakistan to World Group playoffs is no mean achievement,” said Aqeel who had earlier guided the country to triumphs against teams like South Korea, Thailand, China and Chinese Taipei.

Pakistan now faces Japan in its next tie at home from Sept 18 to 20.

According to him, ITF has allowed Davis Cup ties in Islamabad only due to security concerns.

Recepient of Pride of Performance, Aqeel, who is Pakistan No 1 for the last two decades, which is an unparalleled feat, mainly due to his sheer hard work, said the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has done away with the continental groups about two years back and Pakistan can face any European or African nation depending on the draw in future.

Father of two children — Hamza and Maya — Aqeel cautioned that it has become difficult to stay in World Group in the aftermath of change of Davis Cup format and termed it tough.

Though he identified couple of players namely Muzammil Murtaza, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman (U-22), Shoaib Khan, Hamid Israr and Sami Zeb (U-16) having potential to rise at the same time he admitted wide gap between him and the next tier.

Negating the impression to hang his racket, Aqeel said he’ll continue to play for the nation until he is fit.

Aqeel, an employee of Wapda, lauded the efforts of PTF chief Salim Saifullah Khan for taking care of players.

“The PTF chief sent me abroad as Aisam’s coach for seven weeks as part of grooming that took me to Switzerland, Paris, London, Antalya, Nottingham during which the latter also featured in two Grand Slams,” he disclosed.

He said PTF provided him air tickets while Aisam borne the hospitality.

Discussing his future plans, Aqeel, who has grew up at prestigious Modern Club with siblings Jalil and Yasir — both Davis Cuppers — said it was his desire to get a piece of land for setting up tennis academy to repay the debt.

Inflation and meagre prize money is a cause of concern for Aqeel to make ends meet and cater to his family including old parents.

“Seven to eight national ranking competitions take place during a year and if one wins all he gets about Rs700,000 to Rs800,000 and had to bear the cost of return air fare and meals,” he lamented.

He also appreciated the efforts of Inamullah Khan for preparing excellent grasscourt at Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2020