Former
tennis player Sania Mirza showered praise on the American legend Martina
Navratilova.
The
36-year-old Mirza announced her retirement in early 2023, bringing an end to a
remarkable career that saw her secure 43 doubles titles. She became a Grand
Slam champion three times in women's doubles alongside Martina Hingis and three
more times in mixed doubles alongside Mahesh Bhupathi.
In a recent
interview, the Indian athlete highlighted some of the pivotal moments of her
career and mentioned the 18-time Grand Slam champion, recalling their
interactions over the years.
“I’ve had
the opportunity to interact with (Martina Navratilova) for many years now. I
remember, winning in Singapore, twice (WTA Finals in 2014 and 2015), the trophy
that is given is presented by her because it is named after her,” Sania Mirza
said.
"She’s
so real, that’s what makes her who she really is. She really tells you what she
feels, whether it’s in person or in commentary," she added
After being
retired from professional tennis for 6 months, Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza
detailed what her life has been like off the courts.
“I still
have a routine, but it’s just that the routine changes everyday. Now, I got to
the gym at 5 pm, but before I go, I have a few things I have to do.”
"Like,
today, I have to take my son to the (toy store) and then I have to take him to
soccer class. The priorities have changed. That’s when I realised I wanted to
retire,” claimed Mirza.
The former
tennis player played her last match at the Dubai Open alongside Madison Keys,
but they fell in the first round against Veronika Kudermetova and Ludmila Samsonova.
Just a
couple of weeks earlier, Mirza reached the final of the Australian Open in
mixed doubles, partnering with her compatriot Rohan Bopanna, but they ended up
losing to the Brazilian duo of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos
