The crowd goes wild as Ashar Mir crushes the final set, pumping his racket in the air shouting, “One step closer to Wimbledon!” Ashar, a sophomore at Bayview Academy in Karachi, Pakistan, plays professional tennis. He has played in over 50 state tournaments and ranked number one in Pakistan in his age group.

In June 2019, Ashar played his ninth international tournament – the Asian Tennis Federation Tournament, which took place in China, Malaysia and Thailand. He won third place in the 14-and-under category in the Asia Pacific Region.

“I was nervous to be competing with the top players of Asia,” Ashar said. “There was a lot of pressure on me to play well because I was representing my country. I wanted this trip to be worth my parents’ time and money.”

Ashar began playing when he was 3. He was inspired by his father who has been playing tennis ever since he can remember.

“My dad played tennis and he got me into it at a young age,” Ashar said. “I kept playing and could never really stop. I remember playing for hours against my basement wall every day.”

On average, during competition season, Ashar trains six hours a day. Despite his busy schedule, he strives to keep up with schoolwork and score well in his classes. 

“It wasn’t easy to balance school and sports at first,” Ashar said. “Once I got into a routine, though, it became easier and I eventually got the hang of it.”

Sasha Mir, his twin sister, is a professional swimmer, and understands the struggles involved with being a student-athlete. She often helps him with his schoolwork on tournament days.

“Ashar and I are in the same grade,” Sasha said. “He always uses my books and notes to study, and we mentor each other after practices. On competition days, he takes notes during the matches and we study together in the car.”

Throughout Ashar’s career, his family has always been positive and supportive of his commitment to the game. They alter their routines in order to make time for Ashar’s demanding schedule.

“I try to make sure Ashar is following a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep,” Sanna Zia, his mother, said. “His father takes him to his matches, whether they are here or abroad. Being disciplined and organized lets him keep his title ‘Ashar the Crusher’ on the court.”

Zia recalls how Ashar’s late grandfather instilled his passion for tennis by always encouraging him to play. His support gave him the courage to pick up his racket again even after losing a game.

“Ashar’s grandpa was one of his biggest advocates.” Zia said. “He was always cheering for him, on or off the court. He took him to his first tournament when he was 8, and Ashar has been playing professionally ever since then.”

Ashar aspires to compete in many more tournaments once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. He hopes to one day achieve his ultimate dream to play in Wimbledon.

“I miss being on the court since COVID-19 has currently paused my game,” Ashar said. “But the discipline, order and consistency that goes along with tennis still continues in all walks of my life. Pursuing my passion has helped me live some of my best moments.”