ISLAMABAD - Sterling Aqeel Khan and Samir Iftikhar gave Pakistan commanding 2-0 lead on the inaugural day of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II semifinal against Indonesia played in Jakarta Tuesday.
Talking to The Nation from Indonesia, Aqeel said: “It was a very difficult match against Indonesian No 2 AH Sasongko. Although scoreline showed that I won easily 3-1, yet it was very close battle and could have gone either way. I still believe despite taking 2-0 lead, the outcome of the tie still hangs in balance, as the opponents are very good and real fighters. They will not allow us to take the tie right under their noses without a fight.”
“One thing is quite clear that as we took great advantage of arriving earlier and not only adjust to the conditions quite well, but also had wonderful practice sessions, which helped us a great deal. Without Aisam, I was not expecting such comfortable first day’s results which will give us edge and heart and we will try to finish them off today (Wednesday). When I partnering with Abid Ali Akbar face the pair of SW Trijati/DA Susanto in the doubles, it will be quite interesting for me as I will play doubles without Aisam after a very long time. In fact, I even don't remember when last we didn't play together,” he added.
About his singles match, Aqeel said: “I started the first set very nervously and Sasongko took full advantage of it and raced on to take it 6-2. I settled down well in the second set and played my natural aggressive game from the baseline and took it 6-3 to square things. The third set was very tight affair, as both of us played long rallies and managed to hold onto our respective serves. I broke Sasongko serve to take the third set 7-5. I had fully realized Sasongko was tired after playing tough set, I took full advantage and completely outclassed Sasongko in the fourth set 6-0 to give Pakistan 1-0 lead.”
Informing about Samir’s singles, Aqeel said: “The singles between Samir Iftikhar and DA Susanto was one of the best singles I had witnessed since long, as Samir was 0-2 down but he staged a remarkable comeback and won the match. Susanto started the first set on a very high note and took it 6-3. Samir was playing well in the second set and at one stage, he had 4-2 mini break, but he wasted opportunity and lost the set on tie break 7-6 (3). He was once again enjoying 4-2 mini break in tie break, but failed to seal the set.
“After losing two sets and was almost down and out, Samir showed his class and kept Susanto on a run. Samir broke Susanto seventh game to take the third set 6-4 after 20 point marathon rally. In the fourth set, Susanto had a clear opportunity to wrap up the match, as he broke Samir's fourth game and was leading 5-3 and serving for the match, but Samir broke back and made it 5-5. Susanto lost his serve after 30-point rally and twisted his ankle and was given treatment.
Samir hold on to his serve and clinched the set 7-5.
“After playing four tough sets, Susanto ran out of steam, while Samir was looking fresh and was determined to pull off one of the finest victories of his short Davis Cup career. Samir played the fifth and deciding set in great style and outclassed Susanto 6-0 and won the marathon encounter in four hours and 20 minutes of highly entertaining match, which was witnessed by pack to capacity crowd, who gave standing ovation to both the players,” he added.
PTF president Salim Saifullah Khan, who just arrived from England, congratulated both the players and playing captain Hameedul Haq. He expressed that the players and the captain deserved all praise possible for the gallant performances.
Now all eyes are on the doubles match to be played today (Wednesday) at 12:30pm PST. Aqeel/Abid will take on SW Trijati/DA Susanto. If Pakistan pull off victory in the doubles, Pakistan will clinch the tie and in case Pakistan lose the doubles, they have to rely on winning one of the two remaining reverse singles.