ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s emerging tennis sensation Muhammad Shoaib produced the biggest shock of the tournament, toppling world No 483 Sweden’s Leo Borg to storm into the semifinals of the ITF Men’s Futures M-15 (Leg-1) at the PTF Complex Courts on Friday.
Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Shoaib displayed immense grit, composure, and fearless shot-making to dismantle the higher-ranked Swede in a pulsating three-set encounter, winning 4–6, 6–2, 7–6(7–1). The victory stands as one of the most memorable upsets of the tournament and a defining moment in the young Pakistani’s burgeoning career.
The match began with Borg asserting his authority, edging the first set 6–4 despite Shoaib’s flashes of aggressive baseline play and sharp court coverage. However, the Pakistani star refused to buckle under pressure. Regrouping brilliantly, Shoaib raised his intensity in the second set, dictating rallies with precision and power to level the contest with an emphatic 6–2 win.
What followed was a gripping decider that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Both players traded blows in a high-quality battle of nerves, holding serve and pushing each other to the limit. Shoaib, however, stood tall in the defining moments. Demonstrating exceptional mental strength, he matched Borg stroke for stroke before surging ahead in the tiebreak, completely outclassing his opponent 7–1 to seal a famous victory.
The triumph not only propels Shoaib into the semifinals but also underlines his rising stature on the international circuit. Overcoming a top-500 opponent marks a significant milestone, reinforcing belief that Pakistan’s young talent is ready to compete with the world’s best.
Meanwhile, Pakistan tennis celebrated another landmark achievement in the Men’s Doubles event, where local players dominated the semifinals to script history. For the first time, an all-Pakistani lineup will contest the final of an ITF Men’s Doubles event. Shoaib will now take on Chinse player Fanming Meng in the semis on Saturday.
