Aisam-ul-Haq refuses to play singles, says body can’t take it anymore
Aisam-ul-Haq refuses to play singles, says body can’t take it anymore
Pakistan’s tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi on Saturday announced that he will not be playing singles for the country anymore, The News reported today.
The 41-year-old told the publication that he had communicated his decision to the authorities at Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).
“My body cannot bear excessive physical demands for singles game. Moreover, it damages my doubles’ performance too,” he was quoted as saying.
The veteran, who has represented Pakistan in over 95 Davis Cup matches so far, said that he had been playing singles for the last eight years only for the sake of the country.
“Though I left playing singles almost eight years back, I continue representing the country in the Davis Cup singles as no back-up player was available to support Aqeel. Now I don’t think my body can tolerate it anymore,” he said.
Aisam added that due to his growing age, his body cannot take the extra pressure. The player said that his focus is on playing the doubles now and is available for the country in that format.
“Since I play doubles internationally and it is my forte, I would continue playing doubles in the Davis Cup if required by the country,” he said.
The player also urged the youngsters to step up and fill the gap while requesting PTF to initiate players’ development programme so that it helps the best talent rise to the top level.
“The PTF will have to work on war-like footings to groom quality players. The PTF should make the youngsters realise that the country requires their services at the highest level of the game,” he added.
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