NEW YORK, Aug 26: Israel’s Amir Hadad and Pakistan’s Alsam ul-Haq Qureshi, a men’s doubles duo that has bridged cultural and religious differences, have accepted a wild card entry into the US Open.

Hadad and Aisam will open against the Argentina tandem of Mariano Hood and Sebastien Prieto with fifth-seeded Wayne Black and Kevin Ullyett of Zimbabwe as possible second-round opponents.

The 24-year-old Jew and 22-year-old Muslim advanced to the third round at Wimbledon, the best showing of their careers.

They teamed up for lack of partners and became fast friends, winning global attention for their success on the grass of England as well as in conquering political and cultural differences in troubled times.

Pakistani tennis officials had threatened to ban Aisam from the Davis Cup if he continud to pair with Hadad, but International Tennis Federation (ITF) officials issued a threat to ban Pakistan from the Cup if that happened and they relented.—AFP