Hai blames luck for Aisam loss

KARACHI: Tennis legend and President Sindh Tennis Association Saeed Hai has blamed tough luck for the defeat suffered by Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi in the semifinals of the French Open in Paris on Thursday night.

 

“If Aisam had been in the other group of the draws, he would have succeeded. The reason for the defeat was that in the other group most of the players were Europeans, who are not good at net shots,” reasoned the only Muslim tennis player who played three grand slams for six times.

 

He further said that since Aisam is a good player of grass court he is better at net shots, but his partner Rojer Jean-Julien did not help him much for intercepting their opponents’ shots. “Good interception of shorts is a strategy to put your opponents under pressure, as they commit mistakes. Doubles game is all about how to return the ball, how to intercept the ball,” he added.

 

Saeed, the only Muslim to have been member of the Queens Club, further said that Aisam’s bad luck ruined his chances for Olympics berth as he happened to face the Bryan brothers in the semifinal who are professional players.

 

Asked whether Aisam should change his partner, he said Aisam’s partner is helping him — they reached the semifinals of a grand slam — but he should find a good net player. “Since Julien is a European, he is not good at intercepting balls, thus appearing a bit unhelpful to Aisam. I suggest he try his countryman Aqeel Khan who has very good return of service,” he added.

Source: TheNews