Despite not being able to grab the highly coveted U.S. Open trophy, Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi’s message on the grand stage of the tournament will echo loudly and shall remain memorable.
After giving their best in two sets of intense tennis, Qureshi and his partner, India’s Rohan Bopanna, were just a few points away from winning the U.S. Open’s male doubles’ title. After the game, Qureshi was handed the microphone and grabbed the chance to speak what he had in mind. Many agree, Qureshi could not have said it strongly enough.
He said, “There’s a bad perception that Pakistan is a terrorist nation… We’re friendly, loving, and caring people. We want peace as much as you guys. May God bless us all.”
Qureshi received a standing ovation, and at that very moment, it was hardly apparent that the well known Bryan brothers just bagged their ninth Grand Slam title, as well as their third U.S. Open.
Soon after, the Bryan brothers were recognized for their money donated for the foundation to help flood victims in Pakistan that has affected millions of people.
Bob Bryan said that Qureshi’s post made him a bit teary eyed, and he said, “I could see him. He was quivering a little bit. He was very choked up… Just to give that message to everyone was very heartfelt.”