ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Dr Syed Kaleem Imam's tireless efforts paid dividend as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) accepted Pakistan’s request of replacing Usman Ejaz from the Davis Cup squad and allow ace tennis star Aisamul Haq to replace him.
Aisam will join Pakistan team in Vietnam today (Thursday) early morning and will play the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II tie against Vietnam to be held from February 14 to 16. Aisam's availability has turned the balance of the tie in Pakistan favour, as Pakistan team was under tremendous pressure, with no quality player to play doubles or singles match alongside Pakistan No 1 tennis player Aqeel Khan.
Talking to The Nation on Wednesday, the PTF chief confirmed he had written an email to ITF Justine Albert, who very kindly, accepted their request and allowed Aisam to play for Pakistan. “Asiam has lost first round doubles match in Rotterdam ATP Championship, although the ITF rules doesn't allow a player to play two different events in same week, but the ITF was very kind to accept our request and Aisam will now replace Usman Ejaz, who is already in Vietnam,” he added.
“It is a great news for Pakistan tennis, as Aisam's presence will certainly boost our chances and I am quite hopefull, we will win the tie,” Kaleem concluded.