Hello again!

I would like to thank everyone for the encouraging comments on my first blog. Honestly, I did not expect such an overwhelming response and it sure is nice to know that Pakistanis are not fond of cricket alone!

Although I had planned on writing just before the French Open, I just had to share something with you guys. For the first time in my career, I have been able to reach the top 50 mark in the ATP world rankings. My previous best was 51. Once again, I want to thank you all for the support and prayers you have been giving me through out my career.

I am currently in Bordeaux, France – my last tournament before the French Open. So far I have been to Rome, Casablanca, Napoli, Tunis, Barcelona and Estroil on this trip. Despite being on the ATP tour for 12 years, I had never been to all these amazing cities and I guess it has everything to do with me playing on clay courts this season!

Now for some of the questions you guys asked in my last blog.

Best option for tennis training in Pakistan

I think Karachi's Modern Club is by far the best place to learn tennis at. Pakistan's top player Aqeel Khan and his siblings Yasir and Jaleel were all groomed at Modern Club and I am sure it would be the best place for kids to start playing tennis.

Plans for opening tennis academy

I have definite plans of building an academy in Lahore in the near future. I feel it is my duty to give something back to the country. I have asked the government for some land in Lahore and am hopeful of an approval soon, so I can start working on the plan. Even now, every time I am back home, I train with the juniors so that I can teach them whatever I have learned in my career. I want to make sure that they don't make the same mistakes that I made when I was a junior.

I will write more after the French Open now...keeping fingers crossed to make an impression at Rolland Garros this time 'round!

—Aisam

(Photo illustration by Eefa Khalid)

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