Pakistan’s Tennis Icon Aisam-ul-Haq Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis

Pakistan’s legendary tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi has announced his retirement from professional tennis during the opening ceremony of the ATP Challenger Pakistan held in Islamabad on Monday night.

The 45-year-old star became emotional while addressing the ceremony, saying he wasn’t sure whether his tears were for the end of his long career or the pride of hosting the Challenger Cup in Pakistan for the first time as PTBF president.

Earlier this month, he had shared that bringing an international ATP event to Pakistan had always been his dream — a dream that finally came true.

In a statement, the Pakistan Tennis Federation said Aisam’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations and his contributions to the promotion of tennis in Pakistan would always be remembered.

Aisam began his professional journey in 1998 and made history by reaching the US Open 2010 finals in both men’s doubles and mixed doubles — the only Pakistani to achieve this feat.

Thanks @atptour for recognizing my long tennis career and acknowledging my achievements both on and off the tennis courts @atptour Nitto finals in Turin this past weekend 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/SloYONHgwR

— Aisam ul Haq Qureshi (@aisamhqureshi) November 17, 2025

According to ATP, he achieved a career-high singles ranking of 125 in December 2007 and reached World No. 8 in doubles in 2011 with his Indian partner Rohan Bopanna.

He was recently honored at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin alongside seven other retiring stars.

Aisam said it had been an unbelievable journey, especially as he never imagined such a long and successful career growing up in Pakistan.

Beyond tennis, Aisam has also earned global recognition for humanitarian work. He and Bopanna received the Peace and Sport Award for their “Stop War, Start Tennis” initiative promoting peace along the Pakistan-India border. He has also been awarded the Pride of Pakistan (2004) and Salaam Pakistan Youth Award (2007).