Qureshi reveals parting with Bopanna shocked him

Dubai, Mar 1 (ANI): Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, the Pakistani half of the Indo-Pak Express, has revealed that he was shocked to know about his separation from India partner Rohan Bopanna.

Qureshi came to know of the break-up just ahead of his marriage and the news came as a shock to him. Bopanna decided to end their partnership after a London event.

The pair had an amazing two-year run from 2010 which saw them reach the US Open final in 2010, win a Masters 1000 title in Paris last year, rise to No. 5 in world rankings and qualify for the year-ending ATP World Tour final in London.

Speaking to XPRESS, Qureshi said: "I only came to know that Rohan was ending the partnership about two months before London and yes, just before my marriage. It was after the Shanghai Masters and it left me a bit stumped to be honest. I was surprised, obviously didn't see that coming.

"But then, as a professional sportsman I respect his decision. He said he wanted to give me time to find a new partner, hence the two-month notice. He also said he wanted to partner an Indian player since 2012 is the Olympics year and he wanted to in a medal."

Qureshi has received many peace awards, something that goes with his choice of partners, first Israeli Amir Haddad and then Bopanna, the Gulf News reports. (ANI)