Pakistan made history by winning the bronze medal at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters 45+ World Championship after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Germany on Sunday, as confirmed by the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).
The prestigious tournament, held in Manavgat, Turkiye, saw participation from 21 nations in the 45+ age category, known as the Dubler Cup. Pakistan showcased its dominance in the group stage, securing commanding 3-0 wins against Romania and the host nation, Turkiye.
Historic Bronze Medal Win
“Pakistan’s tennis team has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a bronze medal at the ITF Masters 45+ World Championship in Manavgat, Turkey,” the PTF stated.
Competing in this high-profile event for the first time, the team—led by captain Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and featuring star players Aqeel Khan and Shehryar Salamat—delivered exceptional performances against top tennis nations.
In the quarterfinals, Pakistan triumphed over the Czech Republic 2-1, securing a spot in the semifinals. The semifinal clash against France was a nail-biting encounter, where Pakistan narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a 2-1 defeat. Aqeel Khan put up a sensational fight, winning his singles match, but the doubles contest proved decisive, with France edging out Pakistan.
However, Pakistan rebounded strongly in the third-place match against Germany. Despite Qureshi retiring from his singles match, Aqeel Khan stepped up with a dominant singles win. Later, Qureshi and Khan teamed up for the decisive doubles match, securing a hard-fought victory to clinch the bronze medal.
The Pakistani players will now compete in the individual events in the second week of the championship, aiming for further accolades on the international stage.
Record-Breaking Achievement by Talha Waheed
Adding to Pakistan’s tennis glory, senior player Talha Waheed set a world record for the most successful tennis serves in a minute. Guinness World Records confirmed that Waheed smashed the previous record of 42, set by American John Perry in 2019, by delivering an astonishing 59 successful serves in a single minute during a November attempt, which was ratified this week.
Pakistan’s Success in Wheelchair Tennis
Earlier this month, Pakistan also earned a bronze medal at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup Wheelchair Tennis Asian Qualification Event after a 2-1 victory over Iran. In the doubles decider, the Pakistani pair of Asif and Fida secured a 6-4, 6-4 win against the Iranian team, marking another significant achievement for Pakistan’s tennis scene.
Pakistan Clinches Davis Cup Juniors 2025 Title
In another momentous triumph, Pakistan won the Davis Cup Juniors 2025 championship after defeating Indonesia 2-1 in the final, as announced by the PTF on Saturday.
“With this historic victory, Pakistan remained unbeaten throughout the championship, demonstrating exceptional talent, resilience, and teamwork,” the PTF statement read.
Following this victory, Pakistan has officially qualified for the ITF Asia/Oceania Davis Cup Juniors Qualifying Event, set to take place in Kazakhstan from May 19-24. The competition will bring together the top 16 teams from Asia and Oceania, all vying for a spot in the prestigious World Group.
Statements from Team Officials
Pakistan’s team captain, Shahzad Khan, praised the players for their dedication and hard work: “I am extremely proud of the way our boys played throughout the tournament. Their commitment and passion for the game have truly paid off.”
PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi also congratulated the team, calling it a moment of immense pride for Pakistan. He highlighted the outstanding performances of players Mikaeel Ali Baig, Abubakar Talha, and Hamza Roman, along with the strategic guidance of captain Shahzad Khan.
Qureshi further noted Pakistan’s steady progress in international tennis, emphasizing the team’s remarkable improvement from finishing 16th out of 16 in 2023, to securing 5th place in 2024, and finally winning the championship in 2025. This upward trajectory, he said, is a testament to the country’s growing tennis prowess.
Looking Ahead
With multiple international achievements in a short span, Pakistan’s tennis is on an upward climb, showing significant promise for the future. The recent victories in both team and individual events highlight the country’s potential on the global stage.
As the players continue their journey in upcoming international competitions, the nation eagerly anticipates more historic moments and accolades for Pakistan tennis.
