Wimbledone: Sania captures India’s first Grand Slam title in a women’s event

Hyderabad: Tennis ace Sania Mirza smashed the odds yet again on Saturday night when she partnered Martina Hingis to win the Wimbledon women’s doubles, India’s first Grand Slam title in a women’s event. Playing catch up for most part of the final, Sania and Hingis battled past second seeded Russians Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina 5-7, 7-6 (4), 7-5 in a thriller at the All England Club’s Centre’s Court in London.

The Indo-Swiss team trailed 2-5 in the decider. Then, they broke Makarova who was serving for the match at 5-3 to script a great escape that triggered a stunning turnaround — the Russians were broken again in the 11th game for Hingis to hold serve and set off celebrations.That completed Sania’s Slam set — Australian and French Open mixed doubles titles with Mahesh Bhupathi (2009 and 2012) and US Open mixed doubles with Bruno Soares (2014).

Saturday’s win also came at the place where Sania made a sterling start to her career in 2003 by winning the Wimbledon girls doubles title with Russian partner Alisa Kleybanova. The elated Hyderabadi spoke to this newspaper after her victory. Excerpts:

From the girls doubles 12 years ago to the women’s doubles champion at Wimbledon, it must be surreal.
It’s amazing. I think it’s kind of sinking in now to be honest. To do it in my first attempt in an incongruous match was a great feeling. We were down but not out… we just tried to believe in ourselves and kept the faith that amazing things can happen.

The road between 2003 and 2015 has been tough… pretty rough.
To have reached here is a blessing, because only a few fortunate ones get this far. It’s been a long road and everytime I’ve walked on to the court with all my struggles and sacrifices it just seems worth it because these are the moments we play for. The long hours in the gym, the pushing of your body in search of constant improvement, the injuries we have to deal with, the time we sacrifice with our families are some of the things that flash in front of you and make it all seem worthwhile.

You were smiling, laughing, giggling on court despite the daunting task ahead. How do you keep your cool in such situations?
We were just enjoying the moments. I mean these are the moments we play for as athletes. The atmosphere was electrifying and everything was so amazing. We were playing on the Centre Court of Wimbledon and it was such a privilege to be out there.
We kept believing in our abilities and told ourselves that we could still do it. At the end of the day, we were down one break and we just had to get it back and then anything could happen. We kept fighting and got that back which turned things around.

You’ve played with many partners but seem to be surely enjoying the bond with Martina Hingis...
Martina’s been a great champion. She’s been on and off and has made a few comebacks as well. She’s brilliant on court and we complement each other’s games. We read each other very well too and that really works for us. Martina has achieved so much, been a world No.1 before and knows what it takes to get there and what it means. To have her by my side is really a big boost. To win a Wimbledon title with her is an honour.

What did holding that trophy on the Centre Court mean to you?
Wimbledon is very special for every tennis player because this is what big dreams are made of. Every kid that picks up a tennis racket wants to win Wimbledon some day. I feel very honoured and blessed to be able to achieve my dream.

That the big title comes in the month of Ramzan must be a special feeling too...
Of course! Of course it really is. That’s why I keep saying I am really blessed.

You surely must’ve prayed for this title sometime in your career?
Hahaaa! Every day of my life (chuckles). There are no words to describe this feeling.

Eid (likely to fall this Saturday) should be very special this time around...
You bet! It’s going to be a lot of fun... It actually feels like Eid has come a little early this year.

The foodie that you are, you must be waiting to feast on your favourite Haleem when you return home...
I have had some here in London but couldn’t have too much because I was playing a tournament. But I am coming back a bit before Ramzan ends and am looking forward to going to the Old City to have Haleem.

There’s obviously a team that works around you...
Yes, a big one. Tennis is actually a team sport even though it looks like an individual game. I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me over the years — my coaches, my family, friends and a host of well-wishers. My parents have been with me all my career. My sister (Anam) does not get the recognition for the sacrifices she has had to make. She has played a major part in where we are as a family and where I am today. I don’t think I could have made this without the support of my team — they’ve had a huge role to play.

This win will most definitely put your book on hold again. There is a significant chapter to be added for sure…
(laughs) Yes, the book will be delayed again... Everytime I want to release it there is something important or the other happening in my dear life.