After historic feat, Aisam bows out of Wimbledon

London, June 28 (UNI) After creating history, Pakistan's Aisamul Haq Qureshi bowed out of Wimbledon following his 4-6, 2-6, 4-7 loss to former world number one Marat Safin of Russia in the second round here today.

The top Pakistani player, who on Tuesday became the second Pakistani after Haroon Rahim to win a singles match at Wimbledon, was shown the door by world number 24 Safin in just less than two hours though not before giving a scare to the towering and big serving Russian.

Aisam, ranked 279 in the world, gave Safin a run for his money in the first set which lasted for 36 minutes which the Russian eventually won 6-4 after a close duel.

Though the Pakistani ran out of steam in the second set, losing it 2-6 in 27 minutes, he came back strongly in the third and threatened to take the set.

But, the Russian's vast experience carried the day as he won the gruelling third set tie breaker 7-6(7-4) in 56 minutes.

Even with the loss, Aisam ended his first Grand Slam campaign on a high note. He matched the big serving Russian in the number of aces sent down -- 12 each -- in the whole of the match with the Pakistani even having 7-2 in his favour in the third set.

Aisam even matched Safin in the speed of service but lost out to in the second serve conversion rate.

Aisam became the first Pakistani man to play and won a singles match at Wimbledon since Rahim's appearance in 1976 and was also appearing in his first Grand Slam singles event.

In 2002 Wimbledon, Qureshi courted controversy over his decision to pair up with Israel's Amir Hadad in doubles.

The move enraged Pakistan Tennis Federation which threatened to throw Qureshi out of the Davis Cup team but he defiantly played on and the pair were later given the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award for their solidarity.

UNI