Shoaib Malik, Sania Mirza
– Photo: Social Media
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Indian tennis star Sania Mirza lost in the final of the mixed doubles in her last Grand Slam. She had made a second round exit in the women’s doubles and after reaching the final of the mixed doubles, it was expected that she would end her Grand Slam journey by becoming the champion.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, who reached the finals, were in excellent touch. They had lost only one set in the entire tournament before the final, but missed out on becoming champions after losing two sets in a row in the final. The pair of Sania and Bopanna was defeated by the Brazilian pair of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos 6-7(2) 2-6.
After this match, Sania told that this was her last Grand Slam. She will play two more tournaments, but it will not be a Grand Slam. Sania said, “If I cry, it’s tears of happiness. It’s just a disclaimer. I’m still going to play a few more tournaments.” Pakistani cricketer and Sania’s husband Shoaib Malik praised her for her achievements on the tennis court.
You are the much needed hope for all the women in sports. Super proud of you for all you have achieved in your career. You’re an inspiration to many, keep going strong. Many congratulations on an unbelievable career… pic.twitter.com/N6ziDeUGmV
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) January 27, 2023
Shoaib tweeted “You are a much needed hope for all women in sports. So proud of you for everything you have achieved in your career. You are an inspiration to many, stay strong. An incredible Congratulations on your career….”
Sania won the mixed doubles titles at the 2009 Australian Open and 2012 French Open with Mahesh Bhupathi and the 2014 US Open with Brazilian Bruno Soares. Rod Laver Arena has been a good ground. She holds the women’s doubles and mixed doubles titles and has been a four-time runner-up at the Australian Open.
Sania said, “It started in 2005 when I played against Serena Williams in the third round at the age of 18 and 18 years ago it was scary. I wanted to come back here again and again, win a few tournaments here and play a few finals.” We’ve been very fortunate. Rod Laver Arena has been really special in my life and I couldn’t have thought of a better court to end my career at a Grand Slam.”
The presence of their son Izhaan along with family and friends made the occasion even grander. Sania said that my parents here, and Rohan’s wife, my coach, my family in Australia who made me feel like a home away from home.
“To Cara Black who is my best friend and one of my first collaborators, it is really special that I could not have achieved anything without all of you,” Sania said.
