Islamabad (By: Faisal): Rising tennis star Mikaeel Ali Baig clinched the USTA Level 1 Winter Nationals Doubles Title (the USTA “Grand Slam”) in a thrilling 2-hour final alongside his Canadian-Hungarian partner Rafael —beating Akshay (USA/India) and Ivan (USA/Russia) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
This week was a battle from start to finish—heart-racing quarterfinals, intense semifinals, and then the biggest stage: the final. After dropping the first set, we stayed locked in, trusted the plan, and fought for every point until the last ball.
USTA Level 1 Winter Nationals brings together the top 128 players on the USTA circuit—plus strong international competition. Winning here earns the Gold Ball, one of the most respected awards in junior tennis.
Mikaeel Ali Baig said:
“Level 1 Winter Nationals is where the best show up. We had to fight for every point. After losing the first set, we stayed composed, believed in the comeback, and never let go of the goal. Winning a Gold Ball is a dream—and I’m proud to bring this record and this title back for Pakistan.”
