US Open
This is the first time I am in the US Open doubles main draw along with my partner Aisam ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan.
New York is one of my favorite cities. To be staying in Manhattan and playing my first US Open main draw is extra special. US Open being the last grand slam of the year, I would like to do well here.
I have been in Manhattan for one week now getting ready and practicing for about 3 hours a day and spending an hour in the gym. As I get closer to the matches, practice time wll be down to an hour.
Staying in City is completely a great feeling. You know how they say the city does not sleep - it is true! With so many restaurants and different cusines, no wonder it is loved by tourists. I have been eating in a few restaurants downtown in West Village. I went to this Cuban restaurant called Cafe Cortadito which was awesome. There is a Japanese restaurant just 5 minutes from my hotel in midtown and this place is popular with all the players - and I have been trying some tuna and salmon!
Probably playing the first match on Wednesday against Sébastien Grosjean (pronounced Groh-jahn) and Marc Gicquel from France. Aisam and I are excited about this match.
Aisam made the main draw as a lucky loser, after reaching the final round of the qualies (Qualifiers) and he's up against Carlos Moya in the 1st round. Aisam is the first Pakistani in 34 years to appear in the US Open main draw in the singles event - which is an achievement in itself. I am looking forward to watching this match.
Unfortunately, I was 4th out from the qualies. It was tough being so close yet so far. I guess I just need to work on my singles ranking so that I can play in the qualifiers of the next Grand Slam in Australia next year.
Alright. I am off to the gym now. Catch you all after my first match.