Aqeel Khan was born in a family of Tennis coach Jameel Khan, who did not have millions of rupees but Tennis skills of billions. Aqeel grew up picking balls in Tennis courts, but with his hard work and determination, he went on to dominate the Tennis for a very long time.
Whenever we talk about tennis in Pakistan, the first name that comes in our mind is Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi as people had seen him playing the final of US Open 10 years back and he gets all the media attention.
But not many people know that there is some individual named Aqeel Khan too, who has contributed equally for Pakistan Tennis, in fact he has played more Davis Cup ties for Pakistan than Aisam or any other player. Aqeel has represented Pakistan every year since 1998.
If it is said that the consistency Aqeel Khan has showed is impressive, it would be an understatement, because nobody has dominated any sport in Pakistan at national level like him. Aqeel due to running short on finance could not represent Pakistan internationally and was unable to hold limelight for himself.
But still Aqeel was able to reach top 350 in the ATP Rankings by playing tournaments in Asia only, most in India and Iran. He has also earned some memorable wins for Pakistan, as he won the decider fifth singles match against China to give Pakistan promotion in Group I back in 2002.
In 2003 and 2004 his performance remained consistent. Plus his contribution was very handy along with Aisam as Pakistan reached the World Group Playoffs in 2005 after beating Thailand and Chinese Taipei. He almost caused the big upset against India in the decider in 2006.
It would surely have been Aqeel’s biggest win if he had beaten 1996 Olympics Bronze-Medallist Leander Paes. Aqeel fought very hard in first two sets as he lost them 4-6, 6-7 but Paes was in cramps in the third set and Aqeel totally dominated him in next two sets as he won 6-3, 6-0. Paes showed his class in the fifth set and as he had saved energy and won the decisive set 6-1.
It would be unfair with Aqeel if it is not mentioned that he has been the King of Pakistan Tennis in national tournaments as he has lost many matches in last 22 years in national tournaments of Pakistan. Many players have come and gone but could not challenge his dominance.
Aqeel is around 40 years old now and most of the Tennis players take retirement at this age, but he still beats all the youngsters easily. Even though his opponents are almost half of his age, but he beats them in one-sided matches to lift the trophies.
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