ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has named the country’s capital city, Islamabad for hosting the much-awaited Davis Cup Group I match against archrivals India at on 14-15 September, News International reports.
The match will played on grass courts and the team winning the Group I tie would directly make it to play-offs of the World Group, which is where the top countries in the game compete.
PTF President Salim Saifullah Khan told the newspaper: “The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has acknowledged Pakistan’s surge to the top in Asia and thus has included the team amongst the best in the continent. The leading teams in Asia will have the opportunity to make it to the World Group.”
“The choice of the court is with Pakistan and as such India would be coming to Pakistan for the very first time to figure in the tie. There is no denying the fact that tennis in India is far advanced and their players are considered amongst the best around. Some of India’s players are even ranked within the top 200 in the world. We are a developing tennis country and largely depend on the ability of our two leading players Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan to help us get through. I am hopeful and confident that the two would continue to excel for Pakistan.”
“Admitted that India is strong and a better side but when it comes to playing against Pakistan, predicting winner in any game would not be easier. With the crowd at the back, Pakistan players would be in an upbeat mood to put up top performance.”
Saifullah is confident that India will gain permission to participate in the match from the central government, which has been reluctant to resume sporting ties between the two nations. He added that should the All India Tennis Association (AITA) choose to back out, India will be at a loss due to the ITF’s strong rules.
“Pakistan would be declared winners automatically as in the new format skipping or making one excuse or the other to stay away from the tie results in serious consequences.” Saifullah signed off.
