Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis, marking the end of an era for Pakistan’s most successful tennis star. The 45-year-old made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the ATP Challenger Pakistan in Islamabad, leaving fans and fellow athletes emotional.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi began his professional career in 1998 and has been a trailblazer for Pakistani tennis. He remains the only Pakistani player to reach a Grand Slam final, competing in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles finals at the 2010 US Open.
According to the ATP Tour, Aisam reached a career-high singles ranking of 125 in 2007 and climbed as high as world No. 8 in doubles in 2011 alongside his Indian partner, Rohan Bopanna. His career spanned more than two decades, making him a symbol of resilience and excellence in international tennis.
An Emotional Farewell at ATP Challenger Pakistan
During the ceremony, Aisam reflected on his dual role as a player and the President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF). “I don’t know whether these tears are for my career or for hosting the Challenger Cup as president,” he said, visibly moved.
Earlier this year, Aisam expressed that hosting an international ATP tournament in Pakistan had been a lifelong dream, which finally came true under his leadership. The PTF stated that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations and promote tennis across the country.
Honours, Awards, and Global Recognition
The ATP honoured Aisam at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin alongside seven other retiring players. Beyond tennis, he earned global recognition for his humanitarian efforts. Aisam and Bopanna received the Peace and Sport Award for their “Stop War, Start Tennis” campaign, promoting peace through a symbolic tennis match at the Pakistan–India border.
He has also received multiple national accolades, including the Pride of Pakistan Award (2004) and the Salam Pakistan Youth Award (2007).
Reflecting on his journey, Aisam described his career as “incredible,” calling the ATP his “second home.” He emphasized that the friendships and trust built throughout his career were among his greatest achievements. His retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter but leaves a lasting legacy for Pakistani tennis.