London (PR): Asif Gul Abbasi, Pakistan’s leading wheelchair tennis player, has once again made history by reclaiming the prestigious "Play Your Way to Wimbledon" wheelchair tennis title at the iconic Wimbledon grounds in London on 9 August 2025. This remarkable victory marks his second triumph at this elite tournament, further cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s most successful wheelchair tennis athletes on the international stage.
Abbasi’s path to Wimbledon began with his dominant win at the national tournament held at Lee Valley Tennis Centre earlier this year, where he secured his place among the top 8 finalists who qualified for the Wimbledon national finals. Displaying exceptional skill and determination, he won both of his group stage matches and convincingly defeated the Welsh number one in the final with straight sets of 4-2, 4-1.
His record at national tournaments is equally impressive. Out of 24 national competitions since April 2017, Abbasi has remained unbeaten in 23, becoming a four-time UK National Champion and securing the 2024 National Championship title.
Beyond Wimbledon, Abbasi boasts a series of historic achievements for Pakistan:
Winner of three international wheelchair tennis tournaments, a milestone never before achieved by any Pakistani wheelchair tennis player.
Achieved a career-best world ranking of 82, the highest ever attained by a Pakistani wheelchair tennis athlete.
Competed at the Asian Games in China, where he won a match — a first for Pakistan in wheelchair tennis history.
Participated in four World Team Cup qualifying events, defeating numerous seasoned international players.
Secured a bronze medal for Pakistan at the 2024 World Team Cup qualifiers in Sri Lanka by finishing third, marking Pakistan’s best-ever performance in the competition.
Despite these remarkable accomplishments, Abbasi highlights the persistent lack of institutional support for wheelchair tennis athletes in Pakistan. “All I have achieved has come through my own dedication, effort, and financial sacrifice. Currently, there is no sponsorship or official support for Pakistani wheelchair tennis players,” he stated.
However, with the recent appointment of Aisamulhaq Qureshi as head of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, Abbasi expresses renewed hope. “Mr. Qureshi has shown great interest and commitment to promoting wheelchair tennis in Pakistan, and I am optimistic that under his leadership, the sport will receive the recognition and support it truly deserves.”
Abbasi calls on the Pakistan Tennis Federation, government bodies, and relevant organizations to unite in uplifting wheelchair athletes, especially wheelchair tennis players, and to formally recognize their outstanding achievements at the national level.
His inspiring journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience and passion, shining a spotlight on the untapped potential of para-sports in Pakistan.
