Top players to train in Turkey for away Davis Cup tie

ISLAMABAD: Top tennis players will train in Turkey ahead of Pakistan’s away Davis Cup Group II tie against Paraguay in September, revealed Aisamul Haq Qureshi on the eve of Serena Masters Cup that started Monday evening at the PTF/DA Complex.

Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisamul Haq who scooped up the doubles and mixed doubles gold medal competing against the best field in 45 plus World Masters last week, said the Serena Masters to be contested among the best of the lot is an effort to keep the top players fit and focused for coming international event.

“Masters Cup, which will be the third of its kind in recent times, is an effort to keep leading players fit and focused for coming international events. Our selected team for the Davis Cup Group II tie will train in Turkey for a month ahead of the team’s departure to Paraguay.

It would be a tough away outing which requires proper training and efforts.” He added that three top players Muzammil Murtaza, Mohammad Shoaib and Ahmed Nail Qureshi are already in Tunisia for one-month competition where they will figure in four different tournaments.

“They will play against some of the leading quality players to gain the required international experience.” Aisam was also accompanied by Secretary PTF Ziauddin and Fahim Inam, Chief Marketing Officer of Serena Hotels.

“Eight top best men and women tennis players will be in action for Rs1 million cash prize besides other lucrative incentives solely put on offer by Serena Hotels,” Zia said. Zia praised juniors on winning gold medals in the Davis Cup Asia Zone and at the same time congratulated Aisam and Aqeel on winning medals at World Masters.

“Aisam wants to make tennis the second most popular sport in the country. With the measure underway we are hopeful to get the desired results in a few years’ time.” Serena Tennis Masters Cup 2024-2025 under its Sports Diplomacy Initiative culminates in the capital with an exciting series of matches featuring some leading names.

The tournament features some of the best players in Pakistan, competing to win in both the men’s and women’s matches. Men’s Players: Aqeel Khan & Shahzad Khan, Yousaf Khalil & Barkatullah, Abid Mushtaq & Heera Ashiq, Hamza Roman & Sami Zeb. Women players: Ushna Sohail & Maheq Kokha, Sheeza Sajid & Marukh Sajid, Lala Rukh Sajid & Labika Durab Fajar Faiz.