Prakash Amritraj tells Mobile ESPN’s Bhagya Ayyavoo that his partnership with Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi can only get stronger.

Bhagya Ayyavoo: It's been a dream run for you on your Wimbledon debut. What was the experience like?

Prakash Amritraj: I had high expectations coming in, especially with the singles because I had a good run in the last two months or so just playing very consistently, focusing on the right things, staying very positive.

I started playing well in the qualifiers. In the last round, I actually got up to a good start. It was a little unfortunate that towards the latter part of the second set, I dived for a volley and ended up injuring my palm and that sort of affected me. I wasn't able to hold the racquet for the next two sets and that was a bit of a blow. I really wanted to qualify over here at Wimbledon.

But, I was able to bounce back and do well in the doubles with the serve. We got through the qualifiers, but we really had a tough draw and getting through the matches really helped us. We played the first match against the 16th seed, Stephen Huss, who won Wimbledon few years back. Playing well, we ended up splitting the first four sets. And we came back the next day and played a really good fifth set. We were sort of really happy with that.

And we had another tough match a couple of days from then against (Marx and Junaid). Sort of anything could have happened, we were up a couple of match points, didn't really play badly, but the other team, raised its level and found themselves in the fifth set. And the next thing you know they were two points away from the match.

Extreme things happen at big tournaments like Wimbledon, US Open. We were sort of able to claw our way back. Next we know, we won 8-6 and make it to the second week of Wimbledon, which was really, really cool, and really, really special.

BA: And, then the big one in the pre-quarters where you had to face Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles?

PA: The last match was a really good experience. It was a good match, everyone played quite well. I think the third set was quite challenging, we had a set point and a few chances, but it was unfortunate not to get through. In the fourth, Mahesh and Mark also raised their level to close it out. But, overall, it was a really good experience. Having a good run here will definitely help, looking forward to my next few tournaments in doubles. We are really hoping to have a few good months, leading up to the Australian Open.

BA: There was this backhand battle between you and Mahesh in the Wimbledon pre-quarters. Did you enjoy it?

PA: Yes, I guess you could call it that. We both play similar styles, especially in doubles, we both return well, serve deep. You know Mahesh had really nice words to say after the match. He said, I played really well and said the match could have gone either way, which it could have.

BA: How and when did your relationship with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi begin?

PA: He's a very good friend off the court. We talk quite a bit. We end up playing many tournaments. We hang out together quite a bit and we are good friends. If one has good off-court chemistry, it translates into good on-court chemistry as well. We both enjoy grass surface, so we thought it would be a good idea to team up and give it a shot.

BA: How easy or how difficult is it to have a Pakistani partner and play along?

PA: On the court, I don't look at it that way, and I am sure he doesn't look at it that way either, but a lot of these questions have been raised - an Indian playing with a Pakistani. I think people should leave sports alone. We are both brothers fighting for a common cause (Wimbledon), no religion, creed or colour. All this doesn't matter.

BA: There were quite a number of Indian and Pakistani fans at Wimbledon. Who drew more cheer - you or Bhupathi?

PA: No, it was great. All the Indians and the Pakistanis were cheering us, which was really a great thing to see. It was a really good atmosphere there. We really enjoyed it. I think we will definitely try to play more together in the future.

BA: Talking about Vijay (Amritraj), does being his son, add more pressure on you?

PA: Not really. I have had sort of 25 years of getting used to it. So, it's not that much of an issue at this point. But, it comes with a territory, there are advantages and disadvantages. It is what it is and I wouldn't change my father for anything else in the world.

BA: Would you call this the best moment for him (your dad) to cherish from your career?

PA: I don't know. That's the question you will have to ask him. But, he has been there for some of my big Davis Cup matches. He was there, when I did well at Newport last year. But, I think that's a question you will have to ask him.

BA: He was quite nervous while talking about your match on STAR Sports.

PA: Ya (laughs)...

BA: Moving on to your performances this year, you have had a good run in the Challenger events. You had a very good tournament in Rhodes (Challenger), reaching the semis where you also beat 56th ranked player, Dudi Sela. There has been quite a change in your success rate in Challengers. Is there any particular reason for that?

PA: I think a big notable change is that I have a traveling coach right now. I am traveling with my cousin, Steven Amritraj, who finished playing the Tour at the end of last year. He knows my game better than anyone else, having been with me all my life. So, he suggested that he could help me and we gave it a shot and it's working out really well. So, it's something we are going to continue. He has brought a different attitude towards my tennis. I am really looking forward to fighting every day and getting into tough matches and I think that's really helping.

BA: In the last six months, you have played 18 events, reaching three quarter-finals and two semifinals in Challenger events, but it hasn't clicked that well in the ATP events, why?

PA: The last year, I didn't actually play that many ATP events, but I will be doing more this summer. In the past, I had some injuries and I have been inconsistent with my results. But, now having been more consistent for the last few months, I think results will start coming in the bigger events as well.

BA: Do you think since you're playing more Challengers and less of ATP events, you are not able to step up and play well at the Tour level?

PA: No, no, no. I don't think so. You find the same players at all the different levels anyway. Like, you said I beat Dudi Sela in Rhodes. He's here playing quarterfinals at Wimbledon, beating (Rainer) Schuettler and (Tommy) Robredo and a few other guys. I think all the levels are same. It's just your good weeks come in Challengers and sometimes it comes in Tour events.

BA: Where next from Wimbledon?

PA: I am going to go play Newport. I am a defending finalist there. And then start on the US summer circuit.

BA: You look like a strong contender for India, both performance-wise and form-wise. So, how do you see your chances getting back into the Davis Cup team?

PA: Well, it's not a matter of getting back there. My ranking and everything, my performances, I don't think that's the issue. The government restriction on players like us is the main issue. I am hoping things will get sorted out soon as my biggest joy is playing for India.