“I want to say something on behalf of all Pakistanis!"- A Paki in New York

The US duo might have won the U.S Open final, but Aisam definitely won the crowd, and respect of millions.

Every time our nation is in a state of total despondency and hopelessness, something happens to make us hold our heads high and be proud of our homeland.


Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi delivered his message of love and peace loud and clear, and it had nothing to do with tennis, or even the US Open doubles title for which he put his heart and soul but didn’t succeed. 

After the final on Friday afternoon, the 30-year-old Pakistani star tennis player took the microphone and addressed the estimated 15,000 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, probably the biggest crowd to watch a Grand Slam doubles final and made sure the moment wasn't lost.

“I want to say something on behalf of all Pakistanis,” he said following Friday’s 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) defeat to the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike. “Every time I come here, there’s a wrong perception about the people of Pakistan. It is the wrong perception that Pakistan is being a terrorist country,” he told the crowd and the millions of people watching the final on television around the world.

“We are a friendly, loving, caring people and we want peace as much as you guys want it. May God love us all.” 

Later, Aisam expanded on what he had told the crowd. “There are extremists in every religion, but just because of them you cannot judge the whole country as a terrorist nation. I just wanted to get this message across as a Pakistani.” 

Aisam, Rohan, Mike and Bob Bryan pose with their trophies and Pakistani and the Indian flag are visible among several U.S flags.

The crowd jampacking the stadium responded by giving him a standing ovation and tears to Bob’s eyes. His doubles partner, Rohan Bopanna of India, stood by him. Together, they’ve formed the politically charged tandem known as the Indo-Pak Express. U.N. ambassadors from Pakistan and India—Abdullah Hussain Haroon and Hardeep Singh Puri, respectively sat side-by-side in the President’s Box, the second straight match they’ve attended together, cheering the same unexpected struggle their team brought to the greatest doubles team of all time, the Bryan brothers. 

The 16th-seeded Qureshi and Bopanna followed up their run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals with five wins in Flushing, the venue of U.S. Open tournament.

“They’ve proven that when Indians and Pakistanis get together we can raise fire,” Ambassador Haroon said. “I think on a people-to-people basis, they’re setting an example that the politicians should follow.” Prize money and rankings were never a motivating factor, Aisam said, only good news for his flood-stricken countrymen and a platform to express his message of American misunderstanding. 

He also defended the decision to build a mosque near the World Trade Center site. “For me, as a Muslim, that’s what makes America the greatest country in the world - freedom of religion, freedom of speech,” Aisam said. “If the mosque is built, I think it’s a huge gesture to all the Muslim community out there in the world. I would really appreciate it.” 

Aisam said he understands the reasons for sadness on 9/11 and that he accepts that it is when he comes to the U.S. that he has the most trouble with immigration checks. He said he had been stopped at airport immigration “every time” in New York - three hours at a time - including after his latest 15-hour flight for the Open. 

Aisam also said, “My parents are watching in Pakistan, and I love you all.”  

It was unusual that Ashe Stadium was nearly full even at noon, when the match started. “I could see a bunch of Indians and Pakistanis out there at 10:15 when we were warming up,” Bob Bryan said. “I was looking around and I’m like, ‘We’re not going to have this whole crowd on our side for sure.’” 

He also said Aisam’s statement to the crowd choked him up. “I could see him,” Bob said. “He was quivering a little bit. He was very choked up. Just to give that message to everyone was very heartfelt. What they are doing is a lot more important than winning the U.S. Open.” 

Added Mike, “A sport can bring people together. You know, these guys are going to be great for the game for a long time.” The Bryans said they are planning two fundraisers in the next month to raise more money for Pakistan flood relief.

The Champions and Runners-up of U.S Open Men's Doubles.

Aisam-ul-Haq, the bright young Pakistani tennis player, has given the nation a reason to smile this time around. Not only did he bring us honour and recognition by entering the finals of the US Open, but the way he held his ground and defended his nation is what makes him a true national hero.

No amount of diplomacy could have achieved what this tennis player did with a few simple sentences that were free of any intention of point-scoring or personal agendas.

Our political leaders should follow the example of this brave player who defended the honour of his nation on and off the turf. Keep the flag flying high, Aisam, the nation is proud of you.