Bengaluru: Sizzling Melbourne has always been a happy hunting ground for Indian tennis pin-up girl Sania Mirza. With a mixed doubles crown and a runner-up title from the season-opening Grand Slam, both partnering Mahesh Bhupathi in her trophy cabinet, the 27-year-old Hyderabadi will look to add a third Grand Slam crown in the category on Sunday.
At the Melbourne Park Arena, cheered by her husband and Pakistan cricketer Shoiab Malik, Sania will play the final along side the towering Horia Tecau.
The Indo- Romanian duo will square up against Daniel Nestor and Kristina Mladenovic.
Sania, who struck a partnership with the 29-year-old at the Wimbledon last year, said she enjoys playing at the Oz Open.
“I’ve had some good results in singles, doubles and mixed at the Australian Open. I’ve enjoyed playing here and am excited to make my third final in the arena,” said Sania.
Sania and Tecau will have their task cut out against the formidable pair from Canada, whom they lost to in the quarterfinals at the All-England last year.
Sania and Tecau’s paths have crossed much earlier than last year, with their careers having taken similar paths.
“Horia is a great player and we reached the quarterfinals in our first tournament together at Wimbledon last year.
In 2003, the year I won the Wimbledon girls’ doubles title, Horia had won the boys doubles crown. So, our careers seem to have some similarity.”
