US Diplomat Hails Pakistan’s Historic Women’s Tennis Tournament

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter)- US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker has praised Pakistan for hosting its first international women’s tennis tournament at the W15 level, calling it a historic achievement for women’s sports and a valuable opportunity to strengthen international relations through sports diplomacy.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Junaid Family Foundation (JFF) Women’s W15 Futures Tournament in Islamabad on Saturday, Baker congratulated the organisers for bringing together 30 female players from 17 countries and territories.

She described the championship as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s tennis community, noting that the event had created new opportunities for international sporting engagement.

Baker said sports play an important role in promoting teamwork, resilience and stronger connections between people and nations, with relationships built through competition often lasting long after an event concludes.

Highlighting the role of sports diplomacy, the US diplomat expressed hope that more Pakistani athletes would represent the country at major international competitions.

She also referred to the United States’ preparations to host the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, saying Washington looked forward to seeing more Pakistani athletes compete on the global stage.

Baker praised the players for their competitive spirit and sportsmanship and appreciated the hospitality extended to international participants during the tournament. She thanked Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Ansir and Sufia Junaid, and the federation for their efforts in organising the event.

The American diplomat also recognised Qureshi’s historic performance at the 2010 US Open, where he contested both the men’s and mixed doubles finals, becoming the first Pakistani tennis player to reach a Grand Slam final. She commended his continued efforts to expand opportunities for emerging tennis players in Pakistan.

Sponsored by the Junaid Family Foundation, led by Pakistani-American philanthropists Ansir and Sufia Junaid, the tournament formed part of the foundation’s wider commitment to women’s empowerment, maternal healthcare and education.

In the singles competition, French player Astrid Cirotte claimed the championship, while China’s Ru Xi Wu and Thailand’s Kamonwan Yodpetch won the women’s doubles title.

Ansir Junaid said the tournament demonstrated how international sporting events could inspire young women while bringing together policymakers, philanthropists and development partners around shared goals.

Sufia Junaid said the foundation considered investment in women’s healthcare, education and sports to be closely connected, with each playing a role in creating lasting social change.

She explained that better maternal healthcare gives children a healthier start in life, education opens up opportunities, and the achievements of female athletes can encourage young girls to pursue ambitions they may not previously have considered.

Held under the theme “A Powerful Serve for Women’s Health”, the tournament also drew attention to the foundation’s initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health across Pakistan.

Ansir Junaid reaffirmed the foundation’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, saying it aimed to support promising ideas, bring stakeholders together and help create conditions in which the country’s talent and potential could flourish.

PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Secretary General Colonel Zia-ud-Din Tufail also attended the closing ceremony, alongside ambassadors, diplomats, tennis officials, players, coaches, parents and spectators.

Qureshi congratulated the champions and runners-up, thanked Baker and the Junaid family for their participation and support, and acknowledged the foundation’s contribution to making the international tournament possible.

The successful conclusion of the championship marked an important step for women’s tennis in Pakistan, providing local players with greater international exposure while promoting sports diplomacy and women’s empowerment.