Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi
Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi Bids Adieu: ‘I Embrace Inner Peace’
At 45, he leaves behind an impressive legacy with 18 doubles titles and a peak ranking of No. 8.
November 28, 2025
Dody Khan
Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi in action at an ATP Challenger event in Islamabad.
By Robert Davis
As dawn breaks over the Islamabad Tennis Complex, the morning chill dissipates, lifting the fog. From the newly updated courts, men clad in traditional shalwar kameez with woolen vests gather around heaters, steam swirling from their teacups. Above them, sparrowhawks glide lazily, casting watchful eyes over the parched countryside.
Players stretch and warm up as the sounds of polo balls being struck at the nearby club echo through the air. While geographically situated in Pakistan, part of South Asia’s subcontinent, today feels straight out of a Rudyard Kipling tale.
This marks a significant milestone for Pakistan tennis, being the first time an ATP event is hosted here—a sentiment captured perfectly by a clever sponsor’s billboard: “Game. Set. History.”
As this ATP Challenger Tour event unfolds, it represents the last chance of the season for numerous players eager to earn critical PIF ATP Ranking points. In the Challenger circuit, every point counts; just one could mean the difference between entering an ATP Tour main draw or waiting for another opportunity.
However, there’s one player in the main draw not seeking to boost his ATP PIF ranking—Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi. Serving as both host and star of the event, this week marks his grand farewell after an illustrious 25-year career.
“I feel a profound inner peace with tennis,” Qureshi shared. “Like many players, I wish I could have triumphed more often, but I know I have dedicated my all to the sport. Now, I am grateful to embark on a new mission: to nurture tennis in Pakistan and guide aspiring players to the ATP Tour. While this Challenger may seem just another stop on the circuit, it lays the cornerstone for our future endeavors.”
In this final tournament, Qureshi teams up not with his longtime partner Aqeel Khan, but with the promising Muzammil Murtaza.
“Aqeel and I have shared our moments in the limelight,” Qureshi reflected. “We’ve created many beautiful memories together. Now, it’s time to pave the way for the younger generation to step up.”
A crucial yet often overlooked element of any tournament is the ball boys, who this week have displayed phenomenal skill. It’s impressive how they effortlessly snag a powerful serve off the bounce, barehanded. Growing up on a cricket pitch makes catching a tennis ball feel like second nature.
“As players, we often travel from tournament to tournament unaware of the intricate details and effort required to organize an event,” Qureshi continued. “Especially for a first-time endeavor, the work is immense, but the benefits of hosting an ATP event for Pakistani tennis far outweigh the stress.”
The conclusion of a professional tennis career doesn’t arrive overnight; it unfolds gradually as the athlete’s strength wanes. The legs that once drove power are hesitant, the youthful agility replaced by a somber recognition of age.
That poignant reality played out in the first round as Qureshi and Murtaza faced dire circumstances—three match points against Timofei Derepasko and Ivan Gretskiy at 6-7, 4-5, 15/40.
Historically, Qureshi’s serve has been his ace in the hole, his reliable lifeline in tight moments. Yet, today it was Murtaza who rose to the occasion, delivering three powerful serves that turned the tide. The duo claimed victory in the Match Tie-break, clinching it 10-7. Sometimes, when hope seems lost, tennis grants one last chance to shine.
Murtaza’s powerful serves signified a pivotal passing of the torch from one tennis generation to another.
Now, as winter grips the Jacaranda trees that line Islamabad’s avenues, their branches appear bare and lifeless. Yet, with spring’s arrival, those once-dull branches will burst into vibrant blooms, symbolizing renewal and growth. This is the optimism and anticipation tennis in Pakistan holds for the ATP Challenger Tour. As for Qureshi, he has completed his journey, and he did so with grace.
