Aqeel says tie against Slovenia is not easy

KARACHI: Pakistan’s top tennis player Aqeel Khan has said that the Davis Cup tie against Slovenia would not be easy. “One of their players is among top 100 in the world. And they are good on grass courts,” said Aqeel while talking to ‘The News’ on Sunday.

The World Group Play-Offs tie between Pakistan and Slovenia is to be held at Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, on March 6 and 7. Pakistan, who moved up from 37 to 35 in the latest world rankings, have never faced Slovenia, ranked 50th, in Davis Cup.

Aqeel said Pakistan expected tough competition in this tie though they would have home ground advantage. “It is encouraging that a big team is coming to Pakistan to play Davis Cup,” he said.

“Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) should make the most of this event as this will also be a big opportunity for our sponsors,” said Aqeel. PTF is holding trials for this tie from February 3.

Aqeel said all top players of the country were expected to participate in the trials. It is worth adding here that last year the top players did not turn up for trials due to hot weather in Islamabad. “The weather is good this time and players should come up for the trials. This is a good opportunity for our young players to get selected for this important tie,” said Aqeel.

In September last, ITF introduced a new format by creating World Group I and World Group II, replacing the regional Group-I and Group-II. The losing nations from the World Group-I Play-offs will compete in World Group-II ties in September 2020, along with the winning nations from the World Group-II Play-offs.