‘Wimbledon’s cancellation setback for tennis world’

ISLAMABAD: Aisamul Haq Qureshi has termed the cancellation of the 2020 Wimbledon as a big setback for the tennis world.

In an interview with ‘The News’, doubles specialist Aisam said the All England Lawn Tennis Club had little options while deciding Wimbledon’s fate.

“When it comes to playing on grass one hardly gets a few months. Grass in England stays in best shape for tennis for a few months only. So there was very little chance of readjusting the tournament later in the year,” he said.

“French Open organisers have decided to hold the tournament after the US Open, because you can play on clay any time of the year. But a grass-court event in England cannot be delayed for a longer period.

“Though it is a very painful outcome, especially for players and fans who wait desperately for Wimbledon each year, it was something inevitable considering the prevailing situation. After all, wellbeing of everyone concerned should be and is the top priority.”

Aisam said unlike cricket and other sports that are confined to a few countries and regions, tennis is played and watched throughout the world. “Tennis is our bread and butter. A professional player has to stay in shape throughout the year to excel internationally. Tennis definitely will be the biggest sufferer from COVID-19 when it comes to counting its impact on sports.

“Wimbledon is the mother of all international tennis tournaments and not to see such a big event happening in 2020 is a big setback to the sport.” Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II because of the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was due to be played between June 29 and July 12.

Aisam said like him many other top ranked players have been inactive for two months. “Everyone nowadays has been restricted to his house because of the virus. We miss the circuit a lot as activity keeps you fit, agile and makes you better. We don’t know how long we will stay inactive. I can only pray to Almighty Allah to help the world get normal again.”

When questioned whether he has been doing his workout at home, the Davis Cup player said: “When you have no other option you do what you can while at home. All players and athletes are doing so and I am no exception. But I miss court training a lot. The competition on the court is what tennis is all about. Playing on the circuit against the best makes you ready for big events. I am definitely missing that.”

Aisam in coordination with his family members is also busy these days reaching out to families and individuals who are in need because of the lockdown.

“Besides keeping myself in shape for the coming season, I along with my family members have already reached out to 500 families to make sure that they spend a good, trouble-free life in this lockdown period. Sometimes after taking all precautionary measures and with the help of the administration, I myself go out to hand over essential goods to these families. In fact, these days I regularly spend some hours in making sure I contribute to the cause,” Aisam said.