ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan’s Mohammad Shoaib ended a 20-year wait for a home ITF men’s singles title, defeating Russia’s Nikita Ianin 7-6(7/9), 4-6, 6-2 in the final of the ITF Men’s Futures M-15 Championships in front of a packed crowd here at the PTF Tennis Complex on Sunday.

Shoaib becomes the first Pakistani since Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan to win an ITF Futures singles title, marking a historic breakthrough for the country’s tennis programme.

“Thank Almighty Allah for this achievement and for giving me the opportunity to make Pakistan proud on home soil,” Shoaib said after the match. “It was an amazing final, and InshaAllah I will continue this momentum.”

PTF President Aisam, whose late grandfather the tournament honours, said: “I am very proud that after a long gap since myself and Aqeel, Shoaib has made the nation proud in front of a home crowd. Hosting international tournaments in Pakistan is providing valuable opportunities for our local players to earn ATP points, and now we are seeing the impact.”

He added: “I am especially happy that both singles and doubles titles were won by Pakistani players, making it even more meaningful for me and my family.”

A total of 70 players from 23 nations, including Pakistan, Russia, Sweden, China, Turkey, the United States and Japan, participated in the event.

The McDonald’s Pakistan ITF Championship also began on Sunday with qualifying rounds. Main draw matches will start on May 5 at the same venue.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026