Pakistan Biggest Tennis Export, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, announced his retirement from professional tennis
It was a moment filled with emotion, pride, and history-when Pakistan’s biggest tennis export, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, announced his retirement from professional tennis. He declared this during the inaugural ceremony of the first-ever ATP Challenger Pakistan, in which this historic tournament marked the beginning of a new era for tennis across the country, thus making the setting even more symbolic for his last bow.
A Groundbreaking Moment in Pakistani Tennis
The ATP Challenger Pakistan is more than just a tournament; it is a landmark achievement for the nation’s sports ecosystem. For Aisam, choosing this event as his final professional appearance added a layer of poetic significance.
This is the stage where Pakistan takes its first major step onto the global tennis map—and Aisam, who has carried the country’s flag across international courts for over two decades, decided it would also be the place where his professional journey concludes.
A Career Built on Excellence and Global Respect
Aisam’s career, which spanned over twenty years, was nothing short of phenomenal. From reaching the finals of the US Open in doubles and mixed doubles to beating some of the world’s top players, he did prove that a Pakistani athlete could hold his own on the world stage.
His blend of sportsmanship, humility, and never-say-die attitude fetched him respect far beyond the rankings or trophies. Whether he was competing at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, or Flushing Meadows, Aisam emerged as a beacon of what Pakistan could achieve: an ambassador of peace, unity, and resilience.
An Emotional Ceremony Marked by Tributes
The opening ceremony of the ATP Challenger Pakistan was an emotional one. Players, fans, fellow professionals, and officials all came together to celebrate Aisam’s monumental contributions. Many paid glowing tributes as they reminisced about his iconic matches, his passion for the sport, and what an inspiration he has been for young athletes across the nation.
To the many fans, this seemed like the final chapter of an era that was defined by Aisam’s endless drive to raise the profile of Pakistan in international tennis.
Aisam’s Heartfelt Acknowledgment
An emotional Aisam spoke with gratitude about those who were the pillars of his journey, right from his family to coaches, mentors, and fellow athletes. He emphasized that his successes were not his alone but a reflection of the collective support he received throughout his career.
First and foremost, he thanked the fans, who supported him through victory and defeat, for their encouragement, which was his driving force throughout his long, successful run. His words made a deep impact, and many in the audience were close to tears.
A Legacy That Will Inspire Generations
While Aisam is retiring from professional competition, his legacy will continue to influence and shape the future of tennis within Pakistan. His foundation, the youth programs that he runs, and his advocacy for sports development ensure his impact extends well beyond the court.
It means aspiring athletes now have a role model who proved that with determination, discipline, and belief, global success is attainable even from a country where tennis infrastructure is still emerging.
The retirement of Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi marks the beginning of a new chapter, not the end, for Pakistan’s tennis landscape.
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