LAHORE: Pakistan tennis star Aisamul Haq Qureshi, on winning the Auckland Classic crown on Saturday, said that all his hard work last year finally paid off. Aisam, paired with Poland’s Marcin Matkowski, triumphed 1-6, 6-2 (10-3) over the Israel-US duo of Janathan Erlich and Scott Lipsky in Auckland in New Zealand. The Polish and Pakistan pairing were unbeatable in the second set tie-breaker, winning seven points on the trot before holding their nerve to win 10-3. “This win goes a long way. Last year I had a pretty tough season as I made it to a few finals but never won the title,” Aisam told media. “It is a good beginning to 2017,” he added. Paired for the first time in Auckland, the two veterans both hope they can reunite later in the ATP doubles campaign. They may also meet up in Melbourne next week for a celebratory meal. “Every time I ask Marcin, he usually has other partners chosen,” said Aisam, adding that he was very happy that this time around Marcin had chosen to pair with him. Aisam said that all the hard work he had put last year and in the pre-season warm-up has paid off. “I played really well this week and am really happy to get this first title of the year. I dedicate this win to my family, my country and to the fans who believed in me and still do,” Aisam added. Talking about his future plans, he said: “Australian Open is starting next week and I am looking forward to that. I am confident that I can achieve more for the country next week as well.” “It has been a great week,” Aisam concluded happily.