Aisam-ul-Haq concludes career with Doubles final defeat in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq concluded his professional career on Saturday, unable to secure a final doubles title at the ATP Challenger event in Islamabad. Partnered with Muzammil, the local duo was defeated in straight sets by the pair from the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan, with scores of 6-7, 4-6.

The match marked the end of an era for Pakistani tennis, as Aisam, a celebrated figure in the sport, competed in his final professional match on home soil. The iconic player, who announced his retirement, was playing against the Czech duo of Dominik Palan and Denis Yevseyev.

The highly anticipated final at the Islamabad Tennis Complex has mark the end of a remarkable journey that began on the courts of Lahore and reached the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon. Aisam leaves behind an unmatched legacy, holding the Pakistani record for most ATP World Tour titles (18), along with 28 ATP Challenger titles, 17 ITF Futures doubles titles, 5 ITF Futures singles titles and one ATP Challenger singles title. His Davis Cup records for singles, doubles, and total victories remain unparalleled in the nation’s history.

The farewell came coming across as a fittingly competitive contest, with the first set going to the experienced Czech team clinching it 7-6(3).

This tournament marks a significant moment for Pakistani tennis, not only as the legend’s farewell but as evidence of the sport’s resurgence in the country. While Aisam’s name has been synonymous with Pakistani tennis for nearly two decades, his final appearance on home soil demonstrates the competitive potential remains for the next generation. The event attracted substantial local attention, providing a fitting tribute to a player whose story is inseparable from the history of Pakistani tennis itself.