12 years after turning Pro, 28-year-old Tennis queen Sania Mirza laid hands on her first women’s doubles major title when she and Martina Hingis battled past second seed Russian team of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina 5-7 7-6(4) 7-5 in a thrilling final.
Sania, it’s difficult to ignore this name. It’s difficult because as much as her personal life is always under the scanner, the rumour mills churning overtime, conceiving one new story or the other, her professional life likes to keep it simple. She has only one mantra — let the tongues wag — she’ll let the court bring her elixir.
Success isn’t new for Sania. Neither are controversies. Today the section that hails her as Hyderabad’s daughter had once called her a Pakistani bahu. When appointed as the ambassador of the newly formed state Telangana, she was criticised as not being fit for the honour. That was when a usually composed Sania broke down on national television, stating that she’s as Indian as anybody else, she didn’t need to prove it.
As she lifted the trophy, all smiles, we are glad Sania is having the last laugh.Â
Here’s a brief lowdown of her career:Â
Sania Mirza took to tennis at six – a young mind. She was trained by her father Imran – backed by parents. She won 10 singles and 13 doubles junior titles and then won the 2003 Wimbledon Championships Girls’ Doubles title, partnering with Russian Alisa Kleybanova – was courageous to resort to inner resources.
She helped India win a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event of the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, partnering Leander Paes. She turned professional in 2003, picking up 4 gold medals at the 2003 Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad.
In February, Mirza became the first ever Indian woman to win a WTA title, by winning her hometown event, the 2005 AP Tourism Hyderabad Open.
In 2006, Mirza picked up three medals at the Doha Asian Games – Gold, in mixed doubles and Silver in women’s singles and team.
She fared better in doubles as she won four doubles titles in 2007. In mixed doubles Mirza picked up her first Grand Slam title at the 2009 Australian Open, partnering with Mahesh Bhupathi.
Mirza represented India at the 2010 Asian Games winning bronze and silver at the singles and mixed double event respectively. Â
She never stopped praising Swiss partner Martina Hingis with whom she became World Number One – has remained more concerned for the team and getting the job done without putting forward herself.
Sania Mirza, India is proud of you!