‘After Sania Mirza, the answer is blank’

Mumbai: Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza had a dream run in the women’s doubles category in 2015. With 10 titles – including the recent WTA $7 million title in Singapore – she established her supremacy, along with Swiss partner Martina Hingis.

In a freewheeling chat with this correspondent on Tuesday, Sania, who signed up as brand ambassador along with Indian national football captain Sunil Chhetri for pain reliever brand Volini, opened up on the chemistry with Martina, on husband Shoaib Malik’s success and tennis’ future in India. Excerpts…

Your racket never went wrong this year? What was the trick?

Everything has gone right. I had a pretty good last year as well. I finished the year top five in the world. I won five tournaments but one can only dream about a year like 2015. Martina and I are fortunate to have found each other. Besides, I have been physically fit and have been playing the best tennis of my life.

What is the key to maintain a good partnership?

We are good friends and try to keep it simple, which shows on the court. In tough moments, we trust each other on the court. I wish my partnership with Martina started five years ago. I think everything happens for a reason at the right time and that’s what happened to us. We’ll also be playing next year. Our games compliment each other.

What changes have you made to your game this time around?

I think I’ve just tried to consolidate and become better at what I already knew. I’ve tried to improve my forehand. In tennis, you always have room for improvement even if you’re No 1 in the world. You still have to keep improving.

Shoaib Malik has always credited you for the success he has achieved in cricket. How has he helped you with regards to your game?

I haven’t helped Shoaib improve his game, I promise you. I think it’s all him, he has worked very hard to be where he is. Even when he was going through tough times, he never gave up and that’s the attitude he showed when he came and scored that double century (in Sharjah during the first Test against England). I am very happy for him. And please don’t blame me if he gets out without scoring. (Laughs)

What happens after Sania? Who will succeed her?

Sponsorship is one of the issues that tennis players in India face. This is a question that we’ve been asking for the past 11 years and we’ve always come up blank. There are a lot of other things that go into it such as the correct kind of coaching, correct decisions and infrastructure.

Are you happy with the tennis scene in India? There’s the IPTL and Champions tennis league coming up.

It’s getting better, but there is still room for improvement. Whatever suggestions I have, I’ll speak straight to the associations.

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