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When we think of sports in Pakistan, cricket tends to steal the spotlight. But beneath the bright floodlights of cricket stadiums, another game has been making quiet, determined strides: tennis. Over the decades, Pakistani tennis players have carved out a unique identity on both national and international courts. While their journey hasn’t always been easy, their achievements speak volumes filled with perseverance, talent, and national pride.
As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to look back and recognize the players who’ve carried the green and white flag onto global tennis stages. From trailblazing veterans like Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed and Haroon Rahim, who laid the foundation, to modern icons like Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, who brought Pakistan into Grand Slam conversations, the sport has seen remarkable individuals rise against all odds.
In this blog, we’ll explore the career highlights of Pakistan’s top tennis players, from legendary figures to rising talents. We'll also shine a light on female athletes who are challenging stereotypes and reshaping the future of tennis in Pakistan. Whether it’s Davis Cup drama, Grand Slam breakthroughs, or local court battles, each story is a reminder of the power of passion and persistence.
So, grab your metaphorical racquet, and let’s serve up some powerful stories of grit, glory, and greatness in the world of Pakistani tennis.
Pakistan’s tennis roots stretch back to pre-independence times, with a few standout players who not only competed internationally but laid the groundwork for future generations. These legendary Pakistani tennis players paved the way for today’s stars often with little support, but immense passion.
Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed is often regarded as the father of tennis in Pakistan. His career began in British India, and he remained a dominant player well into the early years of Pakistan’s independence. Representing India before partition and Pakistan afterward, Khawaja Iftikhar was a symbol of continuity during a time of great change.
Known for his graceful playing style and unmatched discipline, he competed against top-ranked British and Indian players and was considered one of the best South Asian players of his era. Post-independence, he remained active in promoting tennis and mentoring young talent.
In recognition of his lifetime contributions, Khawaja Iftikhar was honored with prestigious national awards like the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance accolades rarely given to athletes during his time. He set a gold standard for what it meant to represent Pakistan in international sport.
Fast forward to the 1960s and 70s, and another name rose to prominence: Haroon Rahim. At just 15 years old, he debuted in the Davis Cup, becoming the youngest-ever Pakistani to represent the nation in this prestigious event. That early exposure to high-level tennis only fueled his rapid rise.
By 1977, Haroon had reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 34, a record that still stands as one of the highest achieved by a Pakistani male tennis player. He competed at Grand Slam events, including the US Open, where he reached the third round in 1971.
Haroon Rahim was also successful in doubles, earning multiple international titles. His ability to play both singles and doubles at a high level made him a rare talent and a true ambassador of Pakistani tennis on the global stage.
Despite eventually retiring from professional tennis in his early 30s, his legacy continues to inspire upcoming players. He remains a symbol of what Pakistani athletes can achieve with talent, dedication, and a fearless attitude.
While the early trailblazers built the foundation, the modern era brought Pakistani tennis into global headlines — thanks to a few dedicated individuals who didn’t just play the game, but elevated it to new heights. These icons competed on some of the world’s biggest courts, proving that Pakistan could produce world-class tennis talent despite limited resources and recognition.
No conversation about modern Pakistani tennis players is complete without mentioning Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. Born in Lahore, Aisam transformed into an international doubles star, achieving milestones previously unimaginable for a Pakistani tennis player.
His biggest claim to fame came in 2010, when he reached not one, but two Grand Slam finals at the US Open in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. This feat alone placed him in an elite club and made headlines across the tennis world. Though he narrowly missed out on the titles, his performance catapulted him to global recognition.
Aisam reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of World No. 8 and has won 18 ATP Tour doubles titles, including top-tier events like the Paris Masters and Miami Open. His powerful serve, sharp net play, and calm under pressure made him a fan favorite worldwide.
But Aisam's impact goes beyond stats and trophies. In 2002, he was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award for partnering with Israeli player Amir Hadad — a bold move promoting peace and unity through sport. Later, his “Stop War, Start Tennis” campaign with Indian partner Rohan Bopanna gained global attention, turning him into a peace ambassador.
Even today, in his 40s, Aisam continues to represent Pakistan in the Davis Cup and various international events, inspiring young athletes to dream bigger.
Beyond Aisam, Pakistan has nurtured other capable players who have kept the sport alive, even if their names don’t make international headlines.
Aqeel Khan, often called the “backbone of Pakistan’s Davis Cup team,” has represented the country for over two decades. His consistency and dedication on the national circuit have earned him deep respect, even if his international exposure has been limited.
On the women's side, Marriam Naeem Rahim and Ushna Suhail have broken barriers. While not as globally recognized as Aisam, they’ve carried the torch for Pakistani female tennis players, often without the fanfare or support their male counterparts receive.
These players may not have Grand Slam titles, but they’ve shown remarkable commitment to a sport that often struggles for funding, facilities, and visibility in Pakistan. Their journey reflects the broader challenges of tennis in the country but also the unshakable spirit of those who continue to play it.
Tennis has long been a male-dominated sport in Pakistan, but a group of resilient and talented women have been steadily pushing against the tide. In a country where female athletes often face social, cultural, and institutional barriers, these women have managed to not only compete but thrive. Their contributions are shaping a more inclusive future for Pakistani tennis.
Two of the most prominent names in women’s tennis in Pakistan are Marriam Naeem Rahim and Ushna Suhail. These women have consistently represented Pakistan at both regional and international levels, often under the radar but with commendable grit.
Marriam Naeem Rahim, a former national champion, is known for her elegant playing style and mental toughness. She has been a key figure in Pakistan’s Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) campaigns and has won numerous domestic titles. While international opportunities have been limited, her influence on the local circuit is significant.
Ushna Suhail, often cited as Pakistan’s highest-ranked female tennis player in recent years, has carried the national flag to various international tournaments across Asia and the Middle East. She’s known for her strong baseline game and aggressive return of serve. Her presence in ITF events helped bring global attention to Pakistan’s emerging female tennis talent.
Both athletes have been vocal about the need for more funding, training facilities, and visibility for women in the sport. Their perseverance has encouraged more girls to pick up a tennis racquet and chase dreams beyond societal norms.
Despite the challenges, there is slow but steady progress in developing female tennis talent in Pakistan. The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has begun to focus more on gender inclusion by organizing women’s training camps, tournaments, and school outreach programs.
However, much work remains. Infrastructure for women’s tennis is sparse, and professional coaching is often unaffordable for most families. There is also a lack of media coverage, making it harder for talented players to secure sponsorships or build a public profile.
That said, the future holds promise. With role models like Marriam and Ushna, and increased pressure on institutions to prioritize equality, the next generation of female tennis players in Pakistan may have a clearer path to success. All it takes is continued support, exposure, and belief in their potential.
While Pakistan’s tennis legacy is filled with inspiring figures, its future depends on what happens next on and off the court. Thankfully, a new generation of passionate players, coaches, and fans are slowly but surely reshaping the landscape.
Across cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, tennis academies are gaining traction. Grassroots programs, some run independently and others in collaboration with the Pakistan Tennis Federation, are helping children discover the sport early. These initiatives are particularly impactful in schools, where tennis is being introduced not just as an elite sport, but as an accessible, competitive outlet for youth.
There are promising names to watch, too. Players like Muhammad Shoaib, Sarah Mahboob Khan, and Abdul Rehman have shown potential in junior circuits and ITF tournaments. While they haven’t broken into the ATP/WTA spotlight yet, their technical skills and determination hint at brighter possibilities.
However, for tennis to truly flourish, there must be systemic support — more government funding, accessible public courts, better coaching infrastructure, and stronger media coverage. Without these, Pakistan risks losing talent to countries with more competitive structures.
The good news? The passion is there. All it needs now is direction.
Whether you're a fan, a parent, or just someone who believes in the power of sport, now is the time to support Pakistani tennis. Because tomorrow’s champions are already training they just need the nation to believe in them.
Tennis in Pakistan may not have the glitz and glam of cricket, but it has heart, history, and heroes. From the legendary Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed, who pioneered the sport in the country, to Haroon Rahim, who broke into the global tennis elite in the 1970s, and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, whose doubles mastery placed Pakistan on the world map each of these players represents a chapter in a powerful story of perseverance.
And let’s not forget the women — Marriam Naeem Rahim, Ushna Suhail, and many others who continue to break barriers with every match they play. Their battles aren't just on the court; they’re fighting for recognition, resources, and respect in a landscape that’s only beginning to understand the value of inclusion in sports.
This reflection on the top Pakistani tennis players of 2025 reminds us that greatness doesn't always need stadiums full of fans or prime-time coverage. Sometimes, it’s found in quiet dedication, in years of early-morning training, in matches played under the radar yet with all the passion in the world.
If we want to see Pakistani tennis thrive, it’s time for collective action. Support local tournaments, follow and share player stories, and encourage youth to explore the sport. Tennis isn’t just for a privileged few; it can be a national pride point, a career path, and a global stage for our athletes to shine.
So the next time someone says “There are no tennis stars in Pakistan,” send them this blog. Because stars are here we just need to start looking up.
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