F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said on Friday that his side would try its best to live up to the expectations in the Davis Cup World Group II tie against Indonesia.
The two-day tie between the two countries will kick off on Saturday at Aisam-ul-Haq Tennis Pavilion, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad.
Pakistan team is spearheaded by Aisam-ul-Haq and the country’s top player Aqeel Khan. Pakistan number two Muhammad Shoaib, Muhammad Abid, and debutant Barkat Ullah are other members of the Pakistan team.
Former Davis Cup player Mushaf Zia is the coach of the Pakistan team, while Muhammad Shahid will be the team physio.
“Though the weather has been humid here for quite some time, our team has been preparing hard for the tie. We’ll be trying our best to emerge victorious,” Aisam told media at a news conference here at a local hotel.
He said Pakistan did not underestimate Indonesia but added that his side would have the advantage of playing at home.
Aqeel Khan said that the Davis Cup tie against Indonesia would also help them to gauge their own strengths and weaknesses ahead of the Asian Games. “There is a big difference between practising and playing against a good side.
Soon after the conclusion of the Davis Cup, we’ll be flying to China for the Asian Games. I think we’ll be in good shape to finish at a respectable place in the coveted Games,” he added.
Aisam and Aqeel will represent Pakistan in the tennis discipline at the Asian Games, taking place from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, China.
The Indonesian Davis Cup team, comprising three players, one captain and one coach has already arrived in Islamabad. The team consists of David Agung Susanto, Ignatius Anthony Susanto and Gunawan Trismuwantara.
Wirjawan Sugiharta is the playing captain, whereas Suharyadi (Manager), Robby Sudrajat (Strength and Conditioning Coach), and Suharto (Masseur) make up the squad.
The ITF Referee, Hany Hamied Ali ElKhafief of Egypt will supervise the tie.
Chair umpire Gianluca Moscarella from Italy and second chair umpire Ivan Yovchev from Bulgaria have also arrived in Islamabad. Chief of umpires Essam Maher Mohammad Saleh also arrived in the city late Thursday.
Meanwhile, the official draw ceremony for the tie also took place, which was also attended by the President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation Senator Salim Saifullah Khan. He conveyed his best wishes to both the teams for the tie.
The match schedule is as follows:
16th September, 2023
1st Singles: 11:00 am
Aisam ul Haq Qureshi vs David Agung Susanto
2nd Singles: Followed By Aqeel Khan vs Gunawan Trismuwantara
17th September, 2023
DOUBLES: 11:00 am
Muhammad Shoaib / Muhammad Abid vs Gunawan Trismuwantara / Anthony Susanto
Reverse Singles: Followed By Aqeel Khan vs David Agung Susanto Aisam ul Haq Qureshi vs Gunawan Trismuwantara. (APP)
