The Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament 2024 is in full swing at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex in Islamabad, drawing attention from tennis enthusiasts across the country. This prestigious event is being held in honor of the late Mr. Khawar Hyat Khan, a highly respected figure in Pakistan’s tennis community, who served as the Senior Executive Vice President from 2015 until his untimely passing on January 26, 2024. During his tenure under Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Mr. Khawar Hyat Khan was instrumental in promoting tennis and developing the sport at the national level.
A Tribute to a Tennis Visionary
The tournament, named in memory of Mr. Khawar Hyat Khan, is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated much of his life to the advancement of tennis in Pakistan. His contributions to the sport were numerous, and this event serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy. The tournament not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also honors the memory of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the future of tennis in Pakistan.
An Impressive Turnout and Categories
The Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament 2024 has attracted more than 250 participants from across Pakistan, reflecting the deep passion and commitment to the sport. The tournament is being contested across seven different categories, catering to a wide range of age groups and skill levels. These categories include:
- Men’s Singles
- Men’s Doubles
- Ladies’ Singles
- Boys 18 & Under Singles
- Boys 14 & Under Singles
- Boys 12 & Under Singles
- Senior Doubles 50 & Above
The diversity of categories ensures that players of all ages have the opportunity to compete and showcase their skills, making the tournament a comprehensive celebration of tennis talent in Pakistan.
Men’s Singles Quarter-Finals: Intense Competition
The Men’s Singles category has been particularly competitive, with several thrilling matches in the quarter-finals.
- Muzammil Murtaza emerged victorious against Abdullah Adnan in a closely contested match that saw Murtaza come from behind to win 5-7, 7-5, 7-5. Murtaza’s resilience and determination were on full display as he battled through the challenging match.
- Muhammad Shoaib also showcased his skill and mental toughness, defeating Mudassir Murtaza 5-7, 6-3, 6-2. After losing the first set, Shoaib made a strong comeback to secure his place in the semi-finals.
- Yousaf Khalil overcame Barkatullah in another hard-fought match, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Khalil’s ability to adapt and recover after losing the first set was key to his success.
- Veteran player Aqeel Khan demonstrated his class and experience by defeating Ahmad Nael Qureshi with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory. Khan’s dominance on the court was evident as he secured his spot in the next round.
Men’s Doubles Quarter-Finals: Exciting Duels
The Men’s Doubles quarter-finals featured some exciting matches as well:
- The pair of Mudassir Murtaza and Shahzad Khan delivered a commanding performance against M. Talha Khan and M. Huzaifa Khan, winning 6-1, 6-0. Their chemistry on the court and aggressive play left their opponents with little chance.
- In a much closer contest, Hamza Roman and Saqib Hayat edged past Sami Zeb Khan and Abdullah Adnan in a nail-biting match that ended 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 10-8. The match was a showcase of skill and determination, with both teams fighting hard until the final point.
Boys 18 & Under Singles Quarter-Finals: Future Stars Shine
The Boys 18 & Under Singles category highlighted some of Pakistan’s upcoming tennis talents:
- Bilal Asim defeated Muhammad Salar 6-1, 6-4 in a match that demonstrated Asim’s strong groundstrokes and consistency.
- Hamza Roman continued his excellent form by beating Abdullah Azhar 6-3, 6-3. Roman’s powerful serves and precise shot placement were too much for Azhar to handle.
- Ahmad Nael Qureshi secured his spot in the semi-finals with a solid 6-1, 6-4 victory over Asad Zaman. Qureshi’s aggressive baseline play was the key to his success.
Boys 14 & Under Singles Quarter-Finals: Young Talents Emerge
The Boys 14 & Under Singles category also saw some impressive performances:
- Muhammad Junaid triumphed over Zohaib Amjad with a score of 4-0, 1-4, 4-2. The match was a display of youthful energy and developing skill, with Junaid showing great promise.
- M. Hassan Usmani put on a dominant performance, defeating M. Ibraheem Gill 4-0, 4-0. Usmani’s comprehensive victory highlighted his potential as a future star in Pakistani tennis.
Boys 12 & Under Singles Quarter-Finals: A Glimpse of the Future
The youngest competitors in the Boys 12 & Under Singles category also had their moment in the spotlight:
- Rashid Ali defeated Robin Amoun 4-0, 4-0 in a match that showcased Ali’s early mastery of the game.
- M. Ibraheem Gill defeated M. Suhaib Javed 4-1, 4-1, demonstrating maturity beyond his years as he cruised to victory.