Aisam, Aqeel guide Pakistan to Davis Cup win over Slovenia

Pakistan Monday defeated Slovenia 3-0 in Davis Cup World Cup Group-1 first round match played at the grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.

Veterans Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan kept the green flag high at the tennis court yet again as they totally overpowered the visitors in a delayed match that was to be held on Friday and Saturday but was moved forward due to the torrential rains the federal capital of Pakistan experienced at the last weekend.

Aisam was up against Slovenia’s Nik Razborsek and lost the first set 6-4 and was 4-4 in second set on Sunday when the rain returned to postpone the match till Monday. On Monday, Aisam came with new zeal and overcame the challenge of his opponent by winning the next two sets 7-5, 7-6.

In next game, Pakistan’s longest serving number one player Aqeel Khan took on Blaz Kavcic. Kavcic totally dominated Aqeel in first set by not allowing a sing game to Aqeel and won the first set for Slovenia raising their hopes to equal the tie. But Aqeel’s never-say-die approach stung his rival deep as Aqeel won next two sets 7-6, 6-4 to give Pakistan 2-0 lead.

In doubled the veteran pair of Aqeel and Aisam were up against the pair of Tom Kocevar-Desman and Blaz Kavcic. The experienced Pakistani duo won the first set 6-3. Slovenian pair dug deep in second set as both pairs held their serves and the set headed to the tie-break. Pakistani pair did not let it go and wrapped the set as well as tie for Pakistan to register another remarkable victory for the country.