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The inevitable has happened. Two players, no matter how seasoned they are, can't help a nation win crucial Davis Cup rubber.
After enjoying 2-1 lead over New Zealand in the Asia Oceania Zone Group II semi-final, Pakistan lost 2-3 to retain its place in the same group in 2011.
The tie was supposed to be played in Pakistan but was moved to New Zealand by the world governing body of the game for security reasons. It should have been held on a neutral venue i.e. Dubai, Kuala Lumpur but the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) instead of raising the issue forcefully with the ITF agreed to play on the opponent's soil.
Earlier, Pakistan romped home 3-1 against Hong Kong China at Victoria Park in the opener in March.
Apart from Aisam-ul-Haq and Aqeel Khan, the other two players have been merely going abroad as passengers since long with no relief to the top two.
Aisam and Aqeel have helped Pakistan win some memorable matches during the last decade and steered the country to World Group playoff in 2005 before a slump to reach Group III in 2008 for first time ever by losing six ties straight.
Pakistan retained the same team for the New Zealand tie that triumphed against Hong Kong China earlier this year. Aqeel's siblings Jalil and Yasir were the other members. The only change was former Davis Cupper Mushaf Zia's appointment as non-playing-captain in place of veteran Rashid Malik.
Like the Victoria Park tie, Jalil and Yasir watched the rubber from sidelines and not allowed to play either in the doubles or reverse singles. “The defeat was a result of poor strategy”, a critic of the game told Dawn.
Meanwhile, experts are of the opinion that after Aisam had beaten Michael Venus 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 15-13 in a gruelling battle to neutralise the lead one-all, he together with Aqeel should have been rested in the doubles to appear fresh in the reverse singles. Earlier, Aqeel had lost the opener to Jose Statham straight 4-6, 0-6, 0-6.
Though a tiring Aisam teamed up with Aqeel to win the doubles 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-2 against Marcus Daniell and Michael Venus to surge 2-1 in the match, they were completely exhausted and failed to resist the opposition, losing both the singles tamely. Aisam went down 2-6, 1-6, 3-6 to Jose Statham while Aqeel suffered 1-6, 3-6, 3-6 defeat at the hands of Austen Childs.
It is a pity that Pakistan has failed to produce at least two back up players during the last decade who could share the burden of Aisam and Aqeel when required.
Aisam, 30, has reached his career best doubles ITF ranking (37th) last month after making it to the Wimbledon doubles quarter-finals with Indian partner Rohan Bopanna. Aisam's current ITF singles ranking stands at 1063.
The PTF which has become defunct after expiry of electoral term in April seems lacking in its efforts to create a second tier who can carry the national flag with pride upon retirement of Aisam and Aqeel in the days to come.
