Status: #16 seed in the U.S. Open men’s doubles with partner Rohan Bopanna of India. Has reached the semifinal round and will meet the Argentine team of Zeballos/Schwank for a spot in the finals. Has also reached the final of Mixed Doubles with partner Kveta Peschke. Winner of one career ATP doubles title (2010 South Africa w/ Bopanna).
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180
DOB: March 17, 1980 In: Lahove, Pakistan
Tennis Inspirations: “Actually, my mother was Pakistan’s #1 for ten years. She was a national champion. My maternal grandfather was also #1 before partition. So tennis was always in my blood, my family. I was not a big fan when I was younger because in Pakistan cricket is like religion – every single kid likes cricket. I used to play cricket a lot. And we only used to see Wimbledon finals. And both times I only watched Edberg and Becker. So I grew up watching them play and when I first started traveling, I practiced a lot with Stefan Edberg in London. So I after meeting him I would definitely say he’s my idol in tennis, by far.”
First Tennis Memory: “I think the first time I played a junior tournament in th e14s, I lost 60 60 – and I remember – I think I never cried so much in my life for a tennis match. So that really motivated me and the next time I really wanted to beat that guy. And the next year I was really happy in the 14s where I actually beat him.”
Nicknames: “Everyone back home calls me Somi – my close friends and family members. My mother gave me that name.”
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “Big fan of music, reading, I just joined University of Phoenix. I wouldn’t call it a hobby but I have to study now. And for the last year, when I’n back home, spend as much time with my two nephews. And I love to go out clubbing – if Rohan is in the mood, we can go out together. Watch movies. Just a normal guy who happens to play tennis.”
Last Book Read: “The Greatest Salesman In The World.”
Favorite Movies: “Gladiator. Interview With a Vampire. Last
of the Mohicans.”
Favorite TV Show: “Friends, by far.”
Musical Tastes: “Pretty much everything that makes me move. I really like hard rock, heavy metal helps me when I’m in the gym. Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Guns & Roses, Metallica was actually the first time I bought a CD – Black album. Ever since I became a really big fan of heavy metal.”
Current Car: “I’ve got two actually. I live with my parents still back home, so we have five cars. So I could just choose whatever I want. I don’t really have a particular car.”
Favorite Meal: “Gurg walay shawl. Actually, curry is the sugar cane and you actually make sweet rice from them. That’s sweet. I’m not a big fan of normal food – I have a sweet tooth. That’s my favorite dish and every time I go home my mom cooks that for me.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Caramel, by far. I can’t say no to caramel [smiles].”
Pre-Match Feeling: “(Think about) just not to mess it up. Especially if I’m playing doubles. To help my teammate as much as possible. And stay focused. And I work a lot on my breathing. Try to get a sweating going on. Listen to music. Do some sprints and some abs, get the body going. I do some prayers before the match, whether for singles or doubles. Mostly keep the same routine before every match.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “To make semifinal for the first time at U.S. Open. I’ve never done that. Last year, I think, beating Federer in doubles in Basel, was a huge moment. The first time I qualified for Wimbledon two years ago (2007).”
Most Painful Moment: “Would be, I think, my first Davis Cup, I lost to Paradorn Srichaphan. I lost with four match points to win the tie for Pakistan. It was my first Davis Cup, I was 18. I won my first singles, I won the doubles, and he was top 100 then, their #1. And I lost to him 12-10 in the fifth set. At home. From four match points. It took me a while to get over it.”
Favorite Tournaments: “Wimbledon, by far.”
Closest Tennis Friends: “Sitting right here on the left (Rohan Bopanna).”
Funniest Player Encountered: “He can be pretty funny at times (Bopanna). Recently, I would say Dustin Brown. He’s a pretty funny character.”
Toughest Competitors Encountered: “I think every guy I lost to in my career [laughs]. I think everybody’s tough in my 14-year career. Everyone I’ve lost to especially are the toughest opponents by far.”
Favorite Players To Watch: “Nowadays, obviously Roger. And Nalbandian.”
Strangest Match: “The ones that I recall – I don’t like playing my friends. When I play, especially with him (Bopanna) on the courts – I played with him three or four times – and every time I stepped on the court it wasn’t a good feeling. We played in Davis Cup, at the Challenger level, and now I’m really looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in two weeks in India. I just hope I don’t play this guy over there. So every time it’s been pretty strange when we play.”
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “Davis Cup at home in Pakistan, I was wearing the wrong shorts and there was no time. I had to change my shorts in front of all the crowd. There was a logo that was not supposed to be on my shorts – in Davis Cup you have different rules for ATP and ITF. So I would say that was the most embarrassing moment. I had to change in front of all the crowd watching.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Friendly. Loving. Everybody who wants peace. And just good to each other. Respect elders as kids. And I think those kinds of qualities definitely make you a good human being.”
For more tennis news check out Scoop’s tennis site www.tennis-prose.com
Topics: Atp Doubles, Close Friends, Gladiator, Inspirations, Interview With A Vampire, Kveta Peschke, Leisure Activities, Maternal Grandfather, Mixed Doubles, National Champion, Nephews, Nicknames, Open Men, Pakistan Cricket, Rohan Bopanna, Schwank, Stefan Edberg, Ul Haq, University Of Phoenix, Wimbledon Finals
Biofile with Aisam Ul-Haq Qureshi | 