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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

We can beat World if Davis Cup ties are played at home: Aisam

The ITF has instructed Pakistan to play its "home" Davis Cup ties at neutral venues or abroad because of the refusal of foreign teams to visit Pakistan for security reasons. (AFP Photo)
LAHORE: Pakistan's tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi believes that the country can get promoted to the Davis Cup World Group if the International Tennis Federation allows it to host its ties at home.

"We have a 100 per cent record at home and I am confident that if from next year we are able to host our Davis Cup ties instead of playing them abroad we can get promotion in this event," Aisam, who returned home from the Davis Cup tie against Korea, said.

Pakistan was beaten 0-4 by Korea in the tie with Aisam losing in both singles and doubles matches.

"It was a pretty disappointing result for us because we tried very hard and played hard but luck did not favour us at all," he said.

He pointed out that being forced to play away from home had affected the team's performance in the elite Davis Cup event.

"It does make a big difference as you lose home advantage. In normal circumstances you get a chance as host nation to practice and prepare on your home turf before a tie and that is always good," he said.

Aisam said in present circumstances Pakistani players have to go abroad and play and they don't get enough time for adjustments.

The ITF has instructed Pakistan to play its "home" Davis Cup ties at neutral venues or abroad because of the refusal of foreign teams to visit Pakistan for security reasons.

Since last year Pakistan has played three of its "home" Davis Cup ties abroad.

Aisam said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time on the international circuit playing with his doubles partner Rohan Bopanna of India.

"It is a great achievement for us to have broken into the top ten rankings but we need to up that and give better performance in the rest of the year," he said.

Aisam, who is set to get engaged to a UK-based girl Faha on July 16, said he was excited about the impending new chapter in his life.

"It is a new chapter for me and I am very excited about it. Obviously I can only pray that our engagement and marriage is a big success in life and good for both of us," he said.

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