A unique pairing between a Pakistani and an Indian, was defeated in the U.S. Open finals to U.S.A. brothers Bob and Mike Bryan. Nicknamed the "Indo-Pak Express", Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna captured the world's attention at the tournament.
Long after the match ended, one message remained on everyone's minds, especially those present on the stands of the tournament on September 10, 2010, in New York:
“There’s a bad perception that Pakistan is a terrorist nation,” Qureshi told the crowd in 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium. “We’re a friendly, loving, caring people. We want peace as much as you guys. May God bless us all.”The message calling for peace around the world caused the Bryans brothers to give a generous donation of their tournament earnings to help the flood victims in Pakistan. One of the brothers said that he got choked up to hear Qureshi's words.
"Many in Pakistan don't have homes and are living on the streets....What they are doing right now is more important than winning the U.S. Open."
Powerful words for the world to live by!
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