ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s top tennis talent is in action this week as the Independence Day National Ranking Tennis Tournament got underway Monday at the PTF Tennis Complex, marking the nation’s 78th Independence anniversary with high-level competition.
More than 110 players are competing across nine categories, ranging from men’s and women’s singles to under-12 boys’ and girls’ divisions. The event, running throughout the week, aims not only to celebrate Independence Day but also to spotlight the country’s growing pool of tennis talent.
Familiar Faces Lead the Field
The men’s draw features some of Pakistan’s most seasoned players, including veteran Aqeel Khan, rising star Muzammil Murtaza, and experienced campaigners Yousaf Khalil and Shahzad Khan. On the women’s side, national regulars Ushna Suhail, Sheeza Sajid, Esha Jawad, and Noor Malik headline a competitive field.
PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, himself a celebrated former doubles specialist, said the tournament reflects the federation’s mission to “combine celebration with development.” He added that the event provides an important platform for juniors to measure themselves against the country’s best.
Day One: Veterans Dominate Early Matches
The opening day saw predictable results in the men’s singles, with Aqeel Khan dispatching Sami Zeb Khan 6-3, 6-3, while Muzammil Murtaza swept aside Shahzad Khan 6-1, 6-3. Yousaf Khalil and Hamza Roman also impressed, each recording straight-set wins.
In women’s singles, Sheeza Sajid and Romaisa Malik advanced comfortably, while Shimza Naz Durab, Shandana Rabi, and Soha Ali also booked their spots in the next round.
Young Talent Making Noise
The junior categories saw a flurry of promising performances:
- Boys’ U-18: Abdul Basit, Haziq Asim, Razik Sultan, and Hassan Usmani secured convincing wins.
- Girls’ U-14: Zainah Abdullah and Shahreen Umer impressed in their tournament openers.
- Boys’ U-14: Tight contests highlighted by victories for Behroze Mahmood, Ahmed Afzal, Mahad Mehmood, and M Muaz.
- Boys’ U-12: M Turab Bhatti, Behroze Mehmood, and Salar Khan all advanced with strong performances.
Why This Tournament Matters
The Independence Day National Ranking Tournament has become a staple on Pakistan’s tennis calendar, offering vital match practice for senior players while giving juniors exposure to competitive play at a national level. With several age categories running simultaneously, it serves as a rare stage where veterans and newcomers share the spotlight.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on whether emerging talent can challenge the country’s established names and shake up Pakistan’s tennis rankings.
