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Pakistan Reach ITF Masters Semifinals After Comeback Win Over Portugal

Veteran Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi alongside Aqeel Khan delivered decisive singles followed by a winning doubles to push the second-seeded side toward a first title.

Overview

  • Pakistan opened the Men’s 45+ campaign with a 3-0 group win over the United States, with Aisam beating Wojtek Brytek 6-2, 6-3 and Aqeel defeating John Chesworth 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.
  • Shehryar Salamat and Hadi Hussain completed the sweep of the USA by rallying to win the doubles 1-6, 6-1, 10-6 in a match tiebreak.
  • Pakistan then upset host Portugal 2-1 in the quarterfinals after losing the opening singles, with Aqeel leveling the tie in the second singles and Aisam and Aqeel winning the deciding doubles 6-4, 6-1.
  • The wins were driven by veteran leadership from Aisam, who is also Pakistan Tennis Federation president, and Aqeel, whose combined singles and doubles play has been decisive for the squad.
  • Pakistan, seeded second and building on last year’s bronze, will face Sweden in the semifinal with a place in the final at stake and a chance to contend for the title.