KARACHI: Tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi is set to play for the first time in Manila in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone II tie against the Philippines on April 4.
Aisam had a disappointing run in the Miami Open this month, but said he was now looking forward to representing the country in the Philippines.
However, he added that it would be a difficult task to win the tie in the host country.
“I’ve never played in the Philippines before,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “I only know that their top player Treat Huey is in the squad because I played against him in Sydney earlier this year.
“I don’t know about other Philippine players as yet. However, it’s going to be interesting to represent Pakistan there; it’ll be a new experience for me.”
Aisam further stated that Pakistan have lost their previous three encounters against the Philippines in Manila and therefore he was aware that it would be a tough ordeal.
“If they’ve won three previous ties then it means that they have better players. I’ve also been told that the weather conditions are extremely unpleasant. We’ll also be playing on a claycourt surface, which has never been our favourite.”
Pakistan have played six ties against the Philippines before; however they’ve only won once back in 1974 in a match that was played in Lahore. Earlier, Pakistan outplayed Vietnam 3-2 in their first-round tie.
PTF makes last minute change
The Pakistan Tennis Federation has made a last minute change in the squad, replacing Muhammad Abid with Samir Iftikhar.
He will join Aqeel Khan, Aisam and Yasir Khan along with coach Muhammad Khalid.
“Iftikhar’s been playing competitive tennis in the US,” said Aisam. “He is our best hope among the junior players.”
On the other hand, Aqeel said that having Aisam in the tie will strengthen the squad, but the biggest challenge would be to overcome the court and weather conditions.
“I’ve played the last three ties in Philippines and the humidity, with heat and claycourts that too in the indoor arena makes it very difficult to play.”
Aqeel, along with the rest of the squad left for manila Sunday night, while Aisam will join them on Tuesday.
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