Summary Muhammad Shoaib Khan wins ITF Futures title in Islamabad, ending Pakistan’s 20-year wait with a historic victory over Russia’s Nikita Ayanan.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan has ended a two-decade-long wait in international tennis as Muhammad Shoaib Khan secured a landmark ITF Futures title with a hard-fought victory over Russia’s Nikita Ayanan in Islamabad.
The final showcased intense competition, with Shoaib displaying resilience and composure to claim the championship after a three-set battle. He defeated his Russian opponent 7-6, 4-6, 6-2, sealing one of the most significant wins for Pakistani tennis in recent years.
The triumph marks a major milestone, as it is the first time in 20 years that a Pakistani player has lifted an ITF Futures title. The achievement has been widely hailed within national sporting circles, reflecting a renewed moment of prominence for Pakistan in international tennis.
The final, staged in Islamabad, drew attention from key sporting figures, including President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Secretary Colonel Zia Tufail, both of whom congratulated Shoaib Khan on his historic success. They praised the player’s determination and highlighted the significance of the victory for the country’s tennis landscape.
A moment of pride for Pakistan @aisamhqureshi congratulates our players on reaching the finals, with Muhammad Shoaib becoming the first Pakistani to reach an ITF Singles Final. Tune in and show your support: MYCO | PTV Sports | Geo Super. Let’s stand behind our players. pic.twitter.com/UiUDbdpLqt
— M15 Tennis Tournament Pk (@challengercuppk) May 2, 2026
A special presence at the closing ceremony was noted with the Swedish ambassador also attending the event, underlining the international attention surrounding the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi described the day as a major moment for Pakistan tennis and its supporters, stating that Muhammad Shoaib Khan had “written history” with his performance on the court.
