Aisam Ul Haq Retirement, Marking End of Era for Pakistani Tennis
Pakistan’s Tennis Legend Bows Out During ATP Challenger Cup in Islamabad
Pakistan’s most celebrated tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi has officially announced his retirement during the inaugural ATP Challenger Cup in Islamabad. The 45-year-old athlete leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as Pakistan’s most accomplished tennis professional, having represented the nation on prestigious international courts for over two decades. His emotional farewell ceremony marked not just the conclusion of an illustrious career but also the end of a transformative period for Pakistani tennis.
From Local Courts to Grand Slam Finals: A Trailblazing Career
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi carved his name in tennis history as Pakistan’s first player to reach Grand Slam finals, achieving this milestone in both men’s doubles and mixed doubles at the US Open. His career highlights include reaching world number 8 in doubles rankings and becoming the first Pakistani to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments. Beyond his athletic achievements, Qureshi became a global ambassador for Pakistani sports, demonstrating that athletes from the country could compete at tennis’s highest levels despite limited infrastructure and support.
Inspiring Future Generations Through Sports Diplomacy
The retiring legend’s impact extends beyond trophies and rankings. Qureshi pioneered the “Stop War Start Tennis” campaign with Indian partner Rohan Bopanna, using sports as a bridge for peace between neighboring nations. His career has inspired countless young Pakistanis to pursue tennis professionally, with many citing his international success as proof that global recognition is attainable. As Pakistan’s tennis community reflects on Qureshi’s contributions, his legacy remains visible in the growing interest in racquet sports across the country and the increasing number of juniors competing internationally.
