It was a mixed day for Pakistan’s Aisam Qureshi at the Australian Open on Monday. He and his partner Jean Julien Rojer crashed out of the men’s doubles in the round of 16. Later in the day, on Margaret Court Arena, Aisam and partner Andrea Hvalackova advanced in the mixed doubles against Bernard Tomic and Jelena Jancovic, winning decisively, in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Aisam and Rojer were outclassed by the American Brazilian combination of Eric Butorac and Bruno Soares. Rojer’s serve was particularly vulnerable as he was broken three of the four times he served. Aisam held on to all of his service games. Although the team performed creditably, winning the first two matches comfortably, the pairing did not look strong enough to trouble the top teams and win a major title. The IndoPak Express was good enough to do that and had reached the US Open final. Aisam will have to keep his eyes open for a partner who can help take him to the very top of the doubles game.
Aisam’s Czech partner in the mixed doubles played a very good supporting role as the pairing completely outclassed the highly touted Tomic and Jancovic. Tomic looked listless and played as if he did not care. Perhaps the previous night’s lesson by Roger Federer had exposed some of the weaknesses in his repertoire. Tomic has a big future and should reach top ten in a couple of years. He has an instinct for dismantling his opponent’s games by subtle off speed balls, but Federer, after he had figured things out, was much too good and the result was never in question.
Thomas Berdych was involved in a controversy where he did not shake his opponent Nicolas Almagro’s hand following their titanic battle on the Hisense Arena. Berdych had hit a drop shot and then was camped at the net. Seeing no way out, Almagro aimed the ball at Berdych, hitting him on the arm. Berdych fell and did not respond to Almagro’s apologies. After the match, Berdych completely ignored Almagro. The booing that ensued was so loud that it completely drowned out his interview. Tennis players hit the ball directly at each other many times, especially in doubles. When Berdych had shut off all opportunities for Almagro by moving in close behind the drop shot, then Almagro had every right to hit the ball through his opponent. Berdych is a nice enough fellow, but will certainly regret his actions. Juan Martin Del Potro booked hi place in the quarter finals with an impressive display and will play Federer for a place in the semis. Berdych takes on Nadal, another player with whom he has had problems in the past. Lleyton Hewitt takes on Novak Djokovic, a task that will surely prove beyond him, but Hewitt is one of the really great competitors and will leave everything out on the court.
Mixed day for Aisam as he crashed out of doubles
