Nida Waseem was born on November 1, 1982 in Karachi, Pakistan and is the second of three children. She is a former National Tennis Champion and studied at the Boston College (USA) on scholarship. She is deemed as the most prolific female tennis player after Nosheen Ehtesham, the mother of Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. She holds national records for playing the most Fed Cup ties (13), most singles wins (4) and most total wins (8). She was decorated with the prestigious Pride of Performance Award in the acknowledgement of his services for Pakistan.

By Farid Khan (19th January, 2014)

Nida Waseem was born on November 1, 1982 in Karachi, Pakistan and is the second of three children. She is a former National Tennis Champion and studied at the Boston College (USA) on scholarship. She is deemed as the most prolific female tennis player after Nosheen Ehtesham, the mother of Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. She holds national records for playing the most Fed Cup ties (13), most singles wins (4) and most total wins (8). She was decorated with the prestigious Pride of Performance Award in the acknowledgement of his services for Pakistan.


PakPassion.net: Why did you choose to become a professional tennis player?

Nida Waseem: I started playing tennis as an activity, when I was about 6-7 years old. I really liked the sport and I continued playing as I grew up. I always played because of the love of the game and that is why I still play at some level today. My parents also encouraged and supported me throughout.


PakPassion.net: How difficult was it for you to study along with playing tennis?

Nida Waseem: If you're training full time and studying then it's difficult, but not impossible. You have to be very disciplined with your time and routine, but it is doable, no doubt! I had a lot of support from my school principal in terms of taking time off from school and classes. When I went abroad, I saw that it is encouraged to take up a sport and allow time off for it. Therefore, it is manageable if you want it to be.


PakPassion.net: What were your feelings when you were awarded the Pride of Performance award?

Nida Waseem: Winning the Pride of Performance was without a doubt a big achievement. It is something I'm very proud of.


PakPassion.net: What is your best moment of your tennis career?

Nida Waseem: I'm not sure what the best moment was, but I think becoming the National Champion was something I recall because it was a barrier that I worked very hard to break through in order to achieve what I currently have. Since then, a lot of good things have followed.


PakPassion.net: Who were your favourite players when you were growing up?

Nida Waseem: Growing up, I was an Andre Agassi fan, but hands down it's Roger Federer for ages to come.


PakPassion.net: Do you think you achieved what you had asked from tennis?

Nida Waseem: I think I could have achieved more, but a lot of things had to fall in at the right place at that time, which didn't. I think I had the potential to achieve more, but given the shortcomings of the sport and our country, I think I got out of the sport as much as I could, obviously with tremendous support from my parents.


PakPassion.net: The likes of Ushna, Saba, Iman and Sara are representing Pakistan these days! Any advice for them and how do you see them as players?

Nida Waseem: I think Pakistan, as a nation, isn't very supportive, when it comes to tennis and then especially to girls. So the fact that these girls are representing the country is a good thing. I wish more could be done for the support overall, but they're doing the best they can on their own merit, so credit to them.


PakPassion.net: Do you intend to hold any coaching clinics in Pakistan to nurture young talent?

Nida Waseem: I haven't thought about holding any coaching clinics in Pakistan. I am coaching my husband in London at the moment (laughs), but whenever I'm in Pakistan next, and if there is any interest, I'd be more than happy to help the younger lot.


PakPassion.net: Why aren't many tennis players from Pakistan being able to reach the highest level? Do they lack potential or financial issues are the reason for that?

Nida Waseem: I think we as a nation have a lot of talent. We suffer from lack of support, infrastructure, and basic knowledge. There isn't a lack of potential. There's just a lack of sincerity towards sports, towards social activities of the youth, etc. Tennis requires exposure, equipment, tennis courts and a lot of grooming. All of this requires support in terms of finances and planning. So the federation would have to contribute and the government would as well. I think that is why we haven't reached the level that Pakistan, as a nation, surely can.


PakPassion.net: How do you rate Aisam Qureshi as a player and as an ambassador for Pakistan tennis?

Nida Waseem: I think Aisam, as a player and ambassador to the sport, is unmatchable. He has put the sport and Pakistan on the map of tennis and probably for a very long time to come. I think he has done a great job. He has been a very good ambassador for the sport, really.


PakPassion.net: Many thanks for your time.

Nida Waseem: Thank you!

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