ISLAMABAD – The four-member Pakistan female tennis team along with non-playing captain/coach M Khalid left for India to feature in the 12th South Asian Games. Talking to The Nation, Pakistan’s international tennis player Ushna Suhail termed Pakistan chances of finishing on podium quite high. “We have to face tough challenge from hosts India and Sri Lanka. If draws are favourable and we avoid India in the semifinals, we will fight for gold. We are more than capable of beating any given opponent despite the fact we are way behind when it comes to international exposure and playing at the ITF features.”
About not playing singles during the Games, Ushna said: “I don’t know why the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) deprived me of playing in singles only on the basis of unfinished trials, despite the fact that I am the only Pakistani female tennis player having both singles and doubles WTA ranking points. I have never lost against Sara Mansoor in my entire career, anyhow, I am focused and will play my level best to help Pakistan win laurels in the SAG.”
About playing mixed doubles with Aisamul Haq Qureshi, she said: “It’s like dream come true for me to be mixed doubles partner of Aisam. It’s an honour for me and I am sure, with such top class professional at my side, we will fight for the mixed doubles gold and can pose serious challenge to the hosts India’s mixed doubles team. But once again, draws will play key role in deciding our path to the finals.”
Sharing her views, Pakistan No 1 female tennis player Sara Mansoor regretted due to lack of international matches and even very thin amount of local tournaments, the Pakistan women tennis had been declining fast. “The critics, who blames that money spent on women tennis is wastage of national kitty, must understand we only play in Fed Cup, so how could it be possible for us to even stand outside chance against opponents, who had vast experience of playing in WTA and ITF events, even then we will give our more than 100 percent and try to win laurels for the country.” -Agencies
