The curtains fell on the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships with a spectacular and action-packed final day at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad. The event not only celebrated the triumph of Pakistan’s tennis elite but also shone a light on a promising new generation of skillful and talented young players, brimming with potential to become the future of professional tennis in the country.
In a thrilling showdown, 23-year-old top seed Muhammad Shoaib of PAF successfully defended his title against Muzammil Murtaza in an exhilarating three-set battle that lasted over 2 hours and 58 minutes. Shoaib claimed victory with scores of 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4.
Muzammil started strong, breaking Shoaib early and taking a 3-0 lead. However, Shoaib quickly adjusted his strategy, breaking back in the fifth game and forcing a tiebreak after both players held serve. In the tiebreak, Shoaib’s early mini-break and consistent pressure earned him a hard-fought 8-6 win in the first set.
The second set saw Muzammil bounce back with renewed focus, breaking Shoaib’s serve in the 4th and 6th games to level the match with a 6-2 win.
In the deciding set, both players showcased exceptional baseline rallies and strategic cross-court play, reaching 4-4. Shoaib then delivered a clinical performance, breaking Muzammil’s serve in the ninth game with powerful down-the-line winners. He maintained his composure while serving for the match, forcing unforced errors from his opponent and sealing the final set 6-4.
The enthralling final was officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Husnain Mehmood, ensuring a high standard of officiating.
Earlier in the day, in the Junior 18 & Under Singles Final, Muhammad Salar emerged as the champion, defeating promising Islamabad youngster M. Hazik Aasim in a competitive straight-sets match. The encounter showcased the growing depth of talent in Pakistan’s junior tennis ranks, with both players displaying impressive skill and composure.
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