HYDERABAD: “I have realised one of my dreams. But another remains to be fulfilled — winning a singles title in a Grand Slam tournament,” said Sania Mirza.
“Right now, I will be taking a week’s rest because of a tear in my abdominal muscle before beginning preparations for the Thailand and the Dubai Opens,” she said.
“This Grand Slam title should be judged in the backdrop of the six-month long break I had before coming into the circuit only last December,” she added.
"I feel it is a great honour to play in front of my home crowd. Unfortunately, there not many opportunities right now," she said.
"It is the biggest honour to play for your country. But unfortunately this injury came up. My body held up pretty well during the Grand Slam but I am not yet ready for a long, demanding schedule," she commented.
"Obviously from the Indian perspective, this Australian Open was one of the best — considering that Mahesh also entered the men’s doubles final. We have created our own identity at the Grand Slam and things are looking very bright for Indian tennis right now," she observed.
“There was some disbelief for a few moments after we won the mixed doubles title. But at the end of it all, it was a terrific feeling," she said. "We only hope our achievements will inspire many more youngsters to aim big,” she added.
“Yuki Bhambri (winner of junior boys singles title in the Australian Open), is the biggest potential we have," she said.
"I know how great a feeling it is to win even a junior Grand Slam title, having myself won the girls doubles in Wimbledon. I wish him all the best," she said.
"Mahesh and I complement each other. I feel that he is one of the best doubles players in the world and he is very encouraging — always telling me that he is there to help me realise my goals," she said.
"I would like to be seen as Sania the tennis player and not as a brand ambassador. Those things are taken care of by my manager," she quipped.
"I could not have asked for a better start to the year 2009. But my focus now will shift even more towards singles competitions in Grand Slam tournaments," Sania concluded.