Pakistan prays for Aisam’s victory in US Open

ISLAMABAD - Millions of Pakistani fans will be praying for Aisam-ul-Haq to win the US Open mixed doubles finals, so that they have at least something to cheer about on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr that has otherwise been marred by floods and a cricket scandal.

Aisam, partnering Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic, became the first Pakistani player Wednesday to reach the finals of any grand slam tournament.

Partnering India’s Rohan Bopanna, Aisam also reached the semi-finals of the men’s doubles.

Talking to a Pakistani TV channel here Wednesday, Aisam said he was eager to perform well in the biggest match of his career.

“I know that the people back home will be hoping for me to clinch this win and I want to give them this happiness,” he said.

“I am feeling confident about my chances in this clash,” he said just a few hours before the title clash, adding that his job was not yet finished.

“It’s about time the authorities give proper recognition to tennis and other sports so that laurels could be achieved for the country,” he said.

Sports other than cricket have remained neglected in Pakistan and players have often complained of step-motherly treatment.

Aisam belongs to a family that has been pursuing different sports and is credited with helping him make a professional career in tennis. His mother, Nosheen Ahtisham, has herself been an amateur tennis player in Pakistan.

Talking to the media, Nosheen said she was definitely nervous ahead of her son’s title clash. “But I am confident that he has the ability to do it,” she said.

Aisam’s father, Ahtisham-ul-Haq, said the glory achieved by Aisam was a result of the entire nation’s prayers. “He needs all the prayers and luck for the final again.”

Aisam’s coach Rasheed Malik said his protégé had the talent and the capacity to go on and win the title.

“I have coached him for 10 years and feel proud of his accomplishments,” he said and hoped that Aisam would also be able to replicate his performance in the singles events in the future.

Aisam’s sister, Shiza Qureshi, while talking about her brother, said: “He has been great so far and I am sure that he’ll win.”

The road to the final was the result of Aisam’s hard work and dedication to the sport, she said with a beaming smile.

(Awais Saleem can be contacted at ians.pakistan@gmail.com)