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Mirza’s inspirational journey as tennis professional comes to an end, but her impact will linger on
After the high of the Australian Open, where she finished runners-up in mixed doubles with countrymate Rohan Bopanna, Sania Mirza summed up her career with two first round defeats – in her final two tournaments.
Mirza and her American partner Madison Keys suffered a 4-6, 0-6 loss against a formidable Russian pair of Veronika Kudermetova and Liudmila Samsonova. Kudermetova is ranked 11th in singles and number five in doubles, while Samsonova is world number 13 in doubles.
The first round loss in the WTA Dubai Duty Free Championship pulled curtains on Mirza’s career that had inspired – and continues to inspire – a host of women sportspersons – across the disciplines. Mirza is, undoubtedly, the superstar of Indian women’s sports.
While her performance mirrored her career – crests followed by troughs – but the fact is Mirza’s impact on Indian sports cannot be judged by her six Grand Slam titles or her 43 career doubles titles.
“We all followed her. She has been an inspiration to every generation that followed,” India’s top-ranked women’s singles player, Ankita Raina, once told this correspondent.
“Thank you, Sania Mirza, for teaching an entire generation of young Indian girls how to dream, I was one of them,” wrestler Vinesh Phogat had said after Mirza played her final Grand Slam – Australian Open – last month.
“You have always played with enormous passion throughout the challenges. Your legacy means a lot to Indian sportswomen. Respect and congratulations!!” Phogat, the first Indian wrestler to win gold medals in both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, added.
Phogat beautifully summed up Mirza’s legacy – especially in Indian sports.
“She is the reason that I, and many others like me, were able to pick up a racquet. Not only racquet sport but many others were also allowed to take part in sports, especially in regions where sports was not a priority,” former India junior no.1 tennis player Zeel Desai told this correspondent.
Her steely determination helped her overcome all adversity, including injuries and controversies. And it is this resolve that will once again put her in the spotlight as she prepares herself for the next step in her career.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had named her as the mentor of their women’s cricket team in the inaugural Women’s Premier League. And Mirza had her plans chalked out.
“I want to make young girls believe sport can be one of their first career choices. I want to help the next generation to believe in themselves no matter how much the odds are against you, you can achieve your goals,” the 36-year-old had said following her appointment a week back.
