Aisam-ul-Haq Retirement From Tennis: End of an Era for Pakistan’s Greatest Tennis Star

Pakistan has officially reached the end of a golden chapter in its tennis history. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, the country’s most successful and globally recognised tennis player, has announced his retirement from professional tennis in November 2025. The announcement came during the opening of an ATP Challenger event in Islamabad, making his farewell deeply symbolic: he stepped away from the professional tour in the same city where he often carried Pakistan’s tennis dreams on his shoulders.

After more than two decades on tour, Grand Slam finals, a top-10 doubles ranking, countless Davis Cup battles and a career built on perseverance, professionalism and patriotism, Aisam’s retirement marks the end of an era not just for tennis fans, but for Pakistani sports as a whole.

When and How Did Aisam-ul-Haq Announce His Retirement?

Aisam-ul-Haq announced his retirement from professional tennis in late November 2025 at the ATP Challenger Pakistan, hosted at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) complex in Islamabad. Surrounded by fellow players, officials, media and fans, he confirmed that this tournament would be his final event as a professional player.

In his farewell speech, he:

• Thanked his family, coaches, teammates and fans for supporting his long journey.
• Expressed pride in representing Pakistan across the world.
• Spoke emotionally about the struggles of a Pakistani tennis player coming from a country with limited tennis infrastructure.
• Reassured fans that he is not leaving tennis completely, but shifting from playing to developing the game as an administrator and mentor.

A Brief Overview of Aisam-ul-Haq’s Career

Born on 17 March 1980 in Lahore, Aisam-ul-Haq turned professional in 1998. Over the years, he developed into a world-class doubles specialist and became Pakistan’s face on the ATP Tour.

Some key numbers and milestones from his career include:

• Specialised mainly in doubles, where he achieved his biggest successes.
• Reached a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 8 in 2011.
• Played more Davis Cup matches for Pakistan than any other player.
• Served as Pakistan’s Davis Cup captain and later became President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation.
• Represented Pakistan in Grand Slams, ATP events and international team competitions for more than two decades.

Grand Slam Highlights and International Recognition

Aisam-ul-Haq may have come from a non-traditional tennis nation, but he proved that a Pakistani player could compete with the world’s best.

His most famous achievements at the top level include:

• US Open 2010 Men’s Doubles Final – Reached the final alongside partner Rohan Bopanna, putting Pakistan’s name on the biggest tennis stage and winning hearts worldwide.
• US Open 2010 Mixed Doubles Final – Also reached the mixed doubles final the same year, showcasing his versatility and mental toughness.
• Deep runs at other Grand Slams in both doubles and mixed doubles, regularly reaching the second week and challenging top seeds.

These results did not just add to his personal legacy – they also gave Pakistan unprecedented visibility in a sport dominated by players from North America, Europe and Australia.

“Stop War, Start Tennis”: A Symbol of Peace Through Sport

One of the most powerful stories associated with Aisam-ul-Haq is his partnership with Indian doubles partner Rohan Bopanna. Together, they became known as the “Indo-Pak Express”.

Their pairing was about more than just tennis:

• They wore shirts with the message “Stop War, Start Tennis” to promote peace between Pakistan and India.
• They used their success on court to show that sport can build bridges where politics often fails.
• Their friendship and results earned them global admiration and awards for sportsmanship and peace initiatives.

Even after their peak years, the story of the Indo-Pak Express remained a symbol of hope, unity and respect for fans in both countries.

Dominance in Davis Cup and Service to Pakistan

Aisam-ul-Haq’s commitment to Pakistan went far beyond the ATP Tour. He consistently made himself available for the Davis Cup, even when it meant long travel, difficult surfaces and financial sacrifice.

His Davis Cup contributions include:

• Leading Pakistan in numerous ties across Asia and beyond.
• Playing both singles and doubles when needed, especially during crucial matches.
• Forming a legendary partnership with Aqeel Khan, together becoming the backbone of Pakistan’s Davis Cup team.
• Fighting through injuries and tough conditions to keep Pakistan competitive in the international arena.

For many young Pakistani athletes, watching Aisam represent their country with passion and dignity became a source of inspiration and national pride.

Later Career, Rankings and the Road to Retirement

As with most professional athletes, the last phase of Aisam’s career was a gradual transition.

In the final years:

• He began to play more on the ATP Challenger Tour instead of the main ATP circuit.
• His doubles ranking, once firmly inside the top 10 and top 50, steadily dropped as younger players emerged.
• He continued to compete in Challengers, Davis Cup ties and regional events, driven more by passion and duty than ranking points.
• By 2024–2025, he was openly indicating that he was in the final stretch of his professional journey.

The decision to retire during the ATP Challenger event in Islamabad was both emotional and logical. It allowed him to:

• Say goodbye in front of a home crowd.
• Connect his playing career to his new role in developing tennis in Pakistan.
• Close one chapter and immediately step into another as an administrator, mentor and ambassador for the sport.

From Player to Leader: Aisam as PTF President and Tennis Developer

Even before announcing his retirement, Aisam-ul-Haq had already taken on a major responsibility off the court by becoming the President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).

In this role, he has:

• Talked about revamping tennis infrastructure in Pakistan.
• Launched or supported talent-hunting programmes to identify and train young players from all over the country.
• Worked to bring more international events like the ATP Challenger to Pakistan, giving local players exposure and ranking opportunities.
• Used his international connections to improve coaching standards, training opportunities and sponsorship interest.

His retirement as a player does not end his relationship with the sport – instead, it shifts his energy fully toward building a stronger tennis future for Pakistan.

Why Aisam-ul-Haq’s Retirement Matters So Much for Pakistan

Aisam-ul-Haq is not just another athlete who retired. For Pakistan, his career carries special weight.

His retirement is significant because:

• He is widely regarded as Pakistan’s greatest tennis player so far.
• He proved that a player from a country with limited tennis facilities can reach Grand Slam finals and the top-10 in the world.
• He remained a clean, humble and professional role model throughout his career, free from major controversies.
• He consistently carried Pakistan’s flag at international events when few others were doing so.

For young players, his journey gives a clear message: with discipline, belief and hard work, even a Pakistani tennis player can dream of the biggest stages.

Challenges for Pakistan Tennis After Aisam

Aisam’s retirement also highlights the structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s sporting system.

Some key challenges now include:

• Lack of depth at the top level – there is no immediate replacement with similar international experience.
• Insufficient tennis infrastructure and coaching across the country.
• Limited financial support and sponsorship for tennis compared to cricket.
• The need to transform tennis from a niche urban sport into a nationwide opportunity for talented kids.

However, the fact that Aisam is now actively involved in administration and grassroots development provides some hope that Pakistan can build on his legacy instead of starting from zero.

Legacy: What Will Aisam-ul-Haq Be Remembered For?

When people look back at Aisam-ul-Haq’s career, they will remember far more than just match scores.

His legacy includes:

• Breaking barriers by taking Pakistani tennis players into global conversations.
• Representing peace through his Indo-Pak partnership with Rohan Bopanna.
• Inspiring generations of Pakistani kids to pick up a racket.
• Serving the flag constantly in Davis Cup and international events.
• Transitioning into leadership to fix the very system he once struggled through.

For many, Aisam-ul-Haq will always be the face of Pakistani tennis – the player who proved that our athletes can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best.

What’s Next for Aisam-ul-Haq?

Retirement from professional tennis is not the end of Aisam’s involvement in the sport – it is the beginning of a new chapter.

In the coming years, we can expect him to:

• Focus on his role as PTF President and tennis policymaker.
• Develop training academies and grassroots programmes across Pakistan.
• Use his international network to bring coaches, events and sponsors into the country.
• Mentor a new generation of Pakistani players who dream of playing Grand Slams and ATP events.

If his playing career is any indication, Aisam will approach this new phase with the same dedication, humility and belief that defined him on the court.

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FAQs About Aisam-ul-Haq’s Retirement

When did Aisam-ul-Haq announce his retirement from tennis?

Aisam-ul-Haq announced his retirement from professional tennis in November 2025 during an ATP Challenger tournament in Islamabad, marking the official end of his long and successful playing career.

Why did Aisam-ul-Haq retire now?

After more than two decades on tour, Aisam’s ranking had dropped, his schedule had reduced and he had already shifted focus towards administration and development of tennis in Pakistan. Retiring at a home event allowed him to say goodbye in front of local fans while moving fully into his new role off the court.

What are Aisam-ul-Haq’s biggest achievements?

Some of his biggest achievements include reaching the US Open men’s doubles and mixed doubles finals in 2010, achieving a top-10 doubles ranking, winning multiple ATP doubles titles, and becoming Pakistan’s most successful and consistent Davis Cup player.

What was special about his partnership with Rohan Bopanna?

Aisam and Indian star Rohan Bopanna formed the famous “Indo-Pak Express”. Beyond results, their partnership carried a strong message of peace, highlighted by their slogan “Stop War, Start Tennis”. They showed that sport can connect people across political divides.

Will Aisam-ul-Haq stay involved in tennis after retirement?

Yes. Aisam has already taken on a leadership role as President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation. He is actively working on improving infrastructure, organising events, and developing young talent across the country.

What does his retirement mean for Pakistan tennis?

His retirement closes the chapter on Pakistan’s most successful era in international tennis but also opens the door for rebuilding and restructuring. With Aisam now fully focused on administration and development, there is a real opportunity to turn his experience into a long-term plan for producing new champions.