LAHORE: Pakistan’s top-ranked ITF senior tennis player Rashid Ahmad Malik, partnering Germany’s Maike Klein, continued his fine run on the international stage by advancing to the mixed doubles 45+ final of the Robinson Khao Lak Tennis ITF World Masters Tour MT200.
The Pak-German duo produced a dominant display in the semifinals, overwhelming Norway’s Per Ivar Wahl and Germany’s Julia Reisner in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. Malik and Klein controlled the match from start to finish, using sharp net play, precision serving and superior court coverage to deny their opponents any momentum. Their commanding victory came against rivals nearly 20 years younger, underlining Malik’s experience and competitive excellence at the senior level.
Malik, sponsored by The Bank of Punjab, is competing in the mixed doubles 45+ category for the first time and is now within touching distance of securing his maiden title in this format. Reflecting on his performance, Malik said he was delighted to reach the final on debut and is keen to maintain the same intensity in the title match, while also keeping a close focus on his singles campaign.
Maike Klein of Germany’s consistent and aggressive play proved crucial as the pair conceded just two games across the entire match. Malik and Klein will now face Switzerland’s Pia Krummenacher and Germany’s Dorian Dehoust in the final, setting up an exciting contest at one of the ITF Masters Tour’s premier events.