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.
The pair of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, who reached the final, was 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. “If I cry, these are happy tears. That’s just a disclaimer. I’m still going to play a couple of more tournaments,” an emotional Sania said as she struggled to hold back tears.
You’re an inspiration for many: Shoaib Malik
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 for many, keep going strong. Many congratulations on an unbelievable career…” Malik tweeted.
– 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 for many, keep going strong. Many congratulations on an unbelievable career… pic.twitter.com/N6ziDeUGmV
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) January 27, 2023
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.
“It started in 2005 when I played Serena Williams in the third round as an 18-year-old and that was scarily enough 18 years ago. I have had the privilege to come back here again and again, win some tournaments here and play some great finals amongst you all. Rod Laver Arena has really been special in my life and I couldn’t think of a better arena to finish my career at in a Grand Slam,” Sania said.
