Aqeel Khan rewrites tennis history at McDonald’s Pakistan ITF M-15 Leg-2
Aqeel Khan rewrites tennis history at McDonald’s Pakistan ITF M-15 Leg-2
By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan’s tennis icon Aqeel Khan has officially cemented his place in sporting history. Competing at the McDonald’s Pakistan ITF Championship 2026 (ITF M-15 Leg-2) at the PTF Tennis Complex, the 46-year-old veteran defeated Russia’s Makar Krivoshchekov in a thrilling three-set encounter (6-3, 4-6, 6-0).
With this victory, Khan has become the oldest player in the history of tennis to secure an ITF professional match win, adding yet another prestigious accolade to an illustrious career that continues to defy conventional wisdom.
For Khan, this achievement is not merely a number but a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. Reflecting on the historic win, an emotional Khan attributed his success to divine grace and his persistent passion for the game.
“I am deeply thankful to Almighty Allah for allowing me to reach this milestone,” Khan said following the match. “I am incredibly happy to still be competing, winning matches, and contributing to the sport I love. I must also extend my gratitude to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) for hosting back-to-back ITF tournaments, which provided me the platform to achieve this record right here on home soil.”
The achievement comes on the heels of another record-breaking performance earlier this February, where Khan became the oldest player in this century to record a singles match win at a level above regional competition during the Davis Cup tie against Senegal.
The tennis community has been quick to honor the achievement. PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, alongside Secretary General Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail and the entire federation management, expressed their admiration for the veteran.
“This is a proud moment for Aqeel Khan and for the entire nation,” said President Qureshi. “Achieving such a milestone at the age of 46 is no small feat. It requires immense discipline and physical conditioning. Aqeel has proven once again that with dedication, age is truly just a number.”
The atmosphere at the PTF Tennis Complex was electric as Khan’s victory was bolstered by strong performances from his compatriots. Muhammad Shoaib and Muzammil Murtaza both delivered clinical displays to book their spots in the second round: Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) defeated Melih Anavatan (TUR) 6-4, 7-5 and Muzammil Murtaza (PAK) outclassed Artem Bukin (RUS) 6-1, 6-4.
The competition saw a flurry of action across the courts as the international field vied for dominance: Samir Hamza Reguig (ALG) [1] def. Egor Khotchenkov (RUS) 6-3, 6-2; Kerem Yilmaz (TUR) def. Yassine Smiej (MAR) 6-3, 6-3; Adam Farag-Cao (CAN) def. Dmitrii Shirokii (RUS) 6-2, 6-0; Edoardo Cherie Ligniere (ITA) def. Abdulaziz Usmonjonov (UZB) 6-2, 6-0; Nikita Ianin (RUS) def. Mikaeel Ali Baig (PAK) 5-7, 6-3, 6-1; Ivan Iutkin (RUS) def. Essa Qabazard (KUW) 6-2 (Retired) and Uladzislau Tarasevich (RUS) def. Carl Holder (GBR) 6-0, 4-1 (Retired).
The doubles circuit also commenced with high-intensity battles: Mert Naci Turker (TUR) / Melih Anavatan (TUR) def. Darrshan Suresh (MAS) / Essa Qabazard (KUW) 6-1, 7-6(7) and Grigoriy Lomakin (KAZ) / Muzammil Murtaza (PAK) def. Uladzislau Tarasevich (RUS) / Yassine Smiej (MAR) 6-3, 3-6 (10-8).
