ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host its first-ever Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tournament this November, marking a historic milestone for the country's presence on the global tennis circuit, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Qureshi said the event will bring international players to Pakistan and establish the country as a rising venue for professional tennis.
“Hosting an ATP event is a dream come true for Pakistan tennis,” he said. “It’s a huge step forward for our players, our fans, and the entire sporting community. We are committed to providing world-class facilities and opportunities for our athletes.”
Qureshi praised recent performances by Pakistan’s junior players in ITF tournaments held in Islamabad, saying their success reflects the nation’s growing talent pipeline.
He also outlined ongoing development plans, including the Covered Court Project at the PTF Complex to enable year-round training regardless of weather conditions.
Speaking on Pakistan TV’s Scoreboard, Qureshi emphasized how long he had worked to secure ATP approval.
“This is a historic moment for Pakistan tennis, not just for tennis, but for Pakistan itself,” he said. “I have been trying very hard for the past few years, convincing ATP for us to hold an ATP tournament.”
He added that the new tournament could shift Pakistan’s position in the sport globally:
“This is going to be a major change, and we will see a big shift. This tournament will open a lot of doors for us to host ITF men’s tournaments in the future as well. My vision is to support the players, give them opportunities, and promote them.”
Looking ahead, Qureshi announced that Pakistan will also host five J-30 and two J-60 ITF Junior tournaments in the coming months, offering young athletes increased international exposure and competitive experience.
The upcoming ATP event is being viewed as a long-awaited breakthrough for Pakistan’s tennis community, and a signal of the country’s intention to re-establish itself on the global sporting map
