Pakistani tennis player recognized by Guinness World Record for 59 serves in one minute

LONDON: Pakistani tennis player Talha Waheed has been awarded the Guinness World Record for most serves in one minute, 59, breaking the previous record of 42.

Talha was invited by the Guinness World Records headquarters here to receive the certificate at a ceremony to recognize his outstanding sporting feat.

Talha set a new world record for most successful tennis serves in one minute by hitting 59 accurate serves on 8 November 2024 at a tennis facility in Lahore. This remarkable achievement broke the previous record of 42 serves, which stood since 2019. The official recognition was awarded by Guinness World Records to Talha yesterday.

Talking to you Geo News in an interview, Talha said, “My achievement marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s sports community and highlights the abilities of senior athletes who continue to push the boundaries in their respective disciplines. I have consistently excelled in the international and national arena through hard work. I hold many titles in the Federation 35+, 40+ IT (Double FederationF, Tennis) and 45 senior events.”

“I am thankful to my professional home, GO Petroleum, my seniors like Kashif Latif and CEO of the company Khalid Riaz for their unwavering support in this journey. This record would not have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of my coach Mehboob Waheed Jan and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of Pakistan Tennis Federation, Step by me.”

With this world record under his belt, Talha is not resting on his laurels. He has announced his intention to pursue additional world records in the future, with the aim of further raising Pakistan’s profile on the world tennis stage and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has described Talah as an experienced athlete.

PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and other tennis players congratulated Talha for this remarkable achievement. “Talha’s achievement is unique and securing a place in the Guinness Book of Records is not an easy task,” Qureshi said. “This will serve as a great inspiration and a major boost for tennis in Pakistan.”

Talha also called on Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Mohammad Faisal, after receiving the world record certificate. The High Commissioner congratulated Talhas on his historic achievement and praised his dedication, discipline and perseverance. Dr. Mohammad Faisal also acknowledged the pride his achievement has brought to Pakistan.

High Commissioner Dr Mohammad Faisal observed that Talha’s success is not only a personal milestone but also a major boost for Pakistan’s sporting image internationally. He said, “Talha’s achievement highlights the immense potential and resilience of Pakistani athletes. His world record will inspire young players, promote grassroots tennis and contribute positively to the development of sports culture in Pakistan,” the High Commissioner said. He added, “Such achievements enhance Pakistan’s soft image abroad and highlight the country’s talent on the world stage.”