Martina Navratilova lauded by doubles icon Sania Mirza: "So real, that's what makes her who she really is"
Tennis NewsSunday, 13 August 2023 at 21:30
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
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- PRIZE MONEY & POINTS Winner - $185,500 Finalist - $114,500 Semi-Finalist - $66,003 Quarter-Finalist - $35,000 Round of 16 - $18,045 Round of 32 - $13,005 Winner - 500 Finalist - 325 Semi-Finalist - 195 Quarter-Finalist - 108 Round of 16 - 60 Round of 32 - 1DaveyWavey20-09-2026
- Pegula withdrew from this Singapore event
tennishappens19-09-2026 - Serena Williams chose her tournaments. It's not such a bad idea.MuswellHillbilly17-09-2026
- This child is just too fragile. Step away from tennis for a year. Get healthy, get fit; train hard;ranking be damned, and come back as strong contender. Anisimova did it. So can Emma.Rapunzel17-09-2026
- Double standards, what can be said!? Venus is p**ing on media and public. Can't face defeat. Cowerdness! Shouldn't be given any other wild cards ever. That's gross disrespect.DragosJacob16-09-2026
- Anywhere is better than Saudi Arabia!DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- He'd be a perfect coach for Rafael Jodar.DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- This financial 'chump-change' means nothing to Saba. Her vacuity likely cannot fathom the "problem" with her unprofessional actions and reactions in general. The racquet smash is not my focus. My focus was/is on her distasteful, totally unprofessional, disgusting facial expressions and eye-rolls while standing behind Elena as she spoke on the podium. This woman needs a degree of therapy for her True Attitude(s). She is not fooling anyone within the WTA circles with her post-match winner "humor" and smiley behavior. Her True Self comes out when losing a set/match and as a runner-up on the podium.
mandoist16-09-2026 - When will this repetitive "news" and wishful thinking stop?mandoist16-09-2026
- WTA has been unfairly ignoring Elena ever since Wimbledon. Arguably biased against her. Same with the most major sponsors whom normally pounce on the Wimbledon Winners for sponsorship. Didn't happen. Her unfair treatment was always in Lena's subconcious; how she was largely ignored after Wimbledon. Her sister helped her a lot during that period. Next came illnesses and minor injury. A lot of time was lost, and physical (mental?) issues were frequent, as she fought through the absurdiy and general nonsense brought-on by her coach/partner. He was a Loser then, he's a Loser still. Although he has lowered his attitude, volume, and non-stop yapping from the box since he wore the organizations out with his non-stop legal letters begging for mercy and ultimately fully reinstated. Rybakina deserves all the accolades others have enjoyed and more for her strength and will to succeed. Hope it continues.mandoist15-09-2026
Loading
