With “comfortable tears”, Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza on Sunday ended her path-breaking journey as a player at the place where it all began.
By playing in exhibition matches featuring Rohan Bopanna, Yuvraj Singh and her ‘best friend’ Bethanie Mettek Sands, Sania finally said goodbye to her illustrious career at the Lal Bahadur Tennis Stadium, the venue where she signalled her arrival on the big stage with a historic WTA singles title triumph nearly two decades ago.
The exhibition games were watched by eminent personalities, including union law minister Kiren Rijiju and former India cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin.
Having arrived at the venue in a swanky red car, the 36-year-old Sania was greeted by cheering fans that also included prominent personalities.
Sania, who turned emotional while giving her farewell speech, said the greatest honour for her has been to play for the country for 20 years.
On the occasion, the six-time Grand Slam winner (three in women’s doubles and as many in mixed doubles) played two mixed doubles exhibition matches and won both of them.
The venue, where she had won some memorable titles, wore a festive look with banners like ‘Celebrating The Legacy of Sania Mirza’ put up.
Some fans held placards that read ‘thank you for the memories’ and ‘we will miss you, Sania’.
Spectators, mostly school children, cheered her as she entered the court.
“I am so excited to play my last match in front of you all,” she mentioned, talking forward of the match.
Rijiju, who was previously the union sports activities minister, Telangana minister Ok T Rama Rao, Azharuddin and Yuvraj have been amongst the company current at the venue.
“I’ve come to Hyderabad for Sania Mirza’s send-off, her farewell match. I’m delighted to see so many individuals turning up for this. Sania Mirza is an inspiration not only for Indian tennis however for India sports activities too,” said Rijiju.
“When I was the sports minister I used to be in touch with Sania. I wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.”
Her members of the family and buddies have been additionally current at the venue.
After the match, Sania was felicitated by Rama Rao and Telangana sports activities minister V Srinivas Goud.
“The best honour for me has been to play for my nation for 20 years. It is each athlete’s dream to signify their nation at the highest stage. I used to be ready to try this,” Sania, who thanked everyone for supporting her in her journey, said.
As fans cheered her, Sania turned emotional.
“These are very, very happy tears. I could not have asked for a better send-off,” she mentioned.
Though she could have retired, she goes to be a part of tennis and sports activities in India and in Telangana, she mentioned.
She hoped that “many, many Sanias” would emerge in the country.
Azharuddin, whose son is married to Sania’s younger sister Anam, praised her contribution to tennis.
“I think today we are giving a great farewell to Sania. What she has done for tennis for women in India and all over the world, I think, it is an example. I wish her all the best,” Azharuddin informed reporters.
“I do know individuals would need her to proceed to play extra. But each profession has to finish. I believe she has taken the proper determination,” he said.
Several fans said they feel sad over Sania retiring from professional tennis.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)
