Hyderabad: There’s no stopping Sania Mirza. Barely has a month passed by in 2016 and she has four titles — three on court and one off it. The women’s doubles crowns at Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne with the Padma Bhushan embellished in between, it’s been a dream start to the year. The tennis rockstar is swinging indeed.
Home for a day after the whirlwind first stretch on the gruelling circuit, the Hyderabadi soaked in her stupdendous success. “It’s been an amazing time,” Sania exclaimed.
“I don’t think I’ve begun any year on such a perfect note in professional terms. We haven’t lost a match, and everything that went on with it. For me it’s been a dream start... I hope it continues,” she said.
The country’s third highest Civilian honour bestowed on her by the Government of India has surely put a spring in her step. “The Padma Bhushan was a complete surprise for me because I was so engrossed in playing at the Sydney event. I actually found out (about the award being conferred) on Twitter. Mahesh (Bhupathi) called me and said someone had called him from the Home Ministry asking for my number. I didn’t even know what it was… such a surprise in the middle of a tournament!”
French fries on mind
Now what? “It would be amazing to win the French Open. One, it’s a Slam which would not only make it four-in-a-row but also complete the set of majors for us. However, French Open is the toughest to win for us because clay is not our best surface,” Sania says.
High tide with Hingis
It’s been quite a ride with Martina Hingis. What according to her does her partner bring to the court? “Many things,” Sania quips before explaining their team-up. “She made a comeback to the circuit three years ago, didn’t win any Slam and was looking for a perfect partner. It was the same with me — I came close to winning a women’s doubles Slam but never could cross that line. So maybe it was that X factor that brought us, and keeps us, together,” she says.
When it comes to the court, their ability to take the tight situations head-on is what makes Sania and Hingis a top team. “Our biggest strength is that we both come out playing good under pressure, which is why we come through a lot of close matches,” she says.
Then, there is that strong friendship. “I’ve gotten to know her as a person. To be fair to say we were not quite friends when we started playing — it was more of a business relationship and we thought we could play well together. But with time, we discovered we both think alike on a lot of things whether it’s on the court or off it and it kind of helped us through a lot of tough moments on the court. Over the last one year we have developed a great relationship and are very good friends. I can say she is one of the closest people to me. We spend a lot of time together and are a Dream Team,” she laughs.
Mixed luck in doubles
With a tight grip on the world No.1 doubles rank, is Sania looking at a regular partner in the mixed doubles? Well, yes, no and maybe, for that section is a different ball game. “The thing with mixed doubles is it happens only four times a year (only at the Grand Slams) so a lot goes down to luck — whether you’ve played a match the day before, or on that day… It’s possible that if you play four times a year, you may have an occasional bad day, that’s why you don’t have consistent winners in mixed doubles,” she explains. “But I am playing with (Ivan) Dodig at the French Open too after having made the semis at the Australian Open.”
Olympic pick
Well, mixed doubles in an Olympic year invariably leads to the national question — who would partner Sania Mirza at the quadrennial Games. Having been upset with the events leading to the selection of the team for London 2012, the 28-year-old served a safe second serve for the Rio Olympics in August though.
“Five months is a very long time in a tennis player’s life, so it’s very difficult to say what will happen. But a lot of things with that one are very up in the air — the only thing that is certain is that I am going to be in the World Top 10. I don’t think Rohan (Bopanna) knows he’s going to be in the Top 10… I don’t think Leander (Paes) is anywhere close to Top 10 at this point of time so we’ll have to wait and take a call closer to the deadline (for entries) for the event,” she said.
“All I can say is that the best team will be put forward to try and win a medal. Having said that, it’s not easy to win an Olympic medal — the only realistic shot we have is the toughest event where you have the likes of Novak (Djokovic), Roger (Federer), (Stanislaus) Wawrinka and everybody in the world in fray. I think the cut off is going to be the Top 30!”
This one’s for fans
Having been the recipient of a multitude of congratulatory messages on social media, Sania is indeed moved by the Indian fans’ affection and has dedicated her recent success to them. “It’s great to see so much support and love pouring in via tweets and Facebook messages which help us keep in touch with what’s happening back home. We feel really privileged and owe it back to the people as well,” Sania said.
Pressure is a pal
Now that she’s adept at turning tables on opponents, Sania feels pressure is a privilege. “I don’t there is any more pressure on me. It’s tough to be the hunted but that’s also a privilege. It’s not humanly possible to win everything. There is going to be a moment when we will lose and that will happen, because we are not magicians,” she says.
Stress factor
The taxing circuit sure does add to the stress though. “It’s on,” she chuckles.
“The last time I played IPTL and was at home for just three days before leaving for Australia. I came home yesterday, leave tomorrow and will be back God knows when, so, it’s mentally and physically very, very tiring. People don’t realise that winning matches also takes a lot out of you because you have to peak all the time and stay focused. Getting to No.1 is great but staying there is even more tougher.”
