Aisam to team with Bopanna next season too

After three ATP Challenger triumphs between them this season, Pakistan tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi is looking forward to continuing his productive partnership with Indian Davis Cupper Rohan Bopanna in the ensuing year.

On Sunday, the duo clinched their third doubles title of the season, defeating Jarkko Nieminen and Henri Kontinen 6-2, 7-6 in the final of the Helsinki Challenger in Finland.

The third seeds split 6600 euros in prize-money and secured 110 ranking points each.

Two weeks back Aisam and Bopanna won the Aachen Challenger in Germany, their second title, having won the Kohrat Open in Thailand in March.

The Pakistan star credited the achievements to the excellent chemistry with the Indian ace on and off the court.

"I have known him for many years and we are good friends. That has helped us have excellent coordination on the court and improve our game," Aisam said.

"We have good rapport off the court also and we stick to healthy discussions when it comes to our countries. I enjoy playing with Bopanna. Given the level of understanding we have, and the success we have achieved together, we plan to play more doubles events next year," he told Geo Super channel.

Aisam though will be pairing with Jarkko Niemenen another player in the year's last ATP doubles competition in Austria, beginning on Tuesday.

"Bopanna has had injury problems this year and was already committed at home in December so he will not be playing in Austria," Aisam said.

His impressive performances in doubles this year includes a victory at the Swiss Indoors earlier this month over the Swiss pairing of Roger Federer and Marco Chiudinelli, though that came with another partner, James Cerritani of the United States.

"The victory over Federer has done a world of good to my confidence. Hopefully, I will be further improving my rankings and winning more events next year," said Aisam, now ranked 58th in the ATP doubles individual chart.

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