It all ends for Sania Mirza where it all began
Sania Mirza has bid goodbye to her celebrated tennis career, as she is undoubtedly the greatest female tennis player to have ever represented the nation. Meanwhile, on Sunday, she bid farewell to the sport at the place where it all started for her.
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FollowWith "happy 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. She signalled her arrival on the big stage at this venue with a historic WTA singles title triumph nearly two decades ago.
Eminent personalities watched the exhibition games, including union law minister Kiren Rijiju and former India cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin. Having arrived at the venue in an expensive red car, the 36-year-old Sania was greeted by cheering fans who included prominent personalities. Sania, who turned emotional while giving her farewell speech, said her most incredible honour has been playing for the country for 20 years.
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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. 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 said, speaking ahead of the match. Rijiju, formerly the union sports minister, Telangana minister KT Rama Rao, Azharuddin and Yuvraj were guests at the venue.
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"I have come to Hyderabad for Sania Mirza's send-off, her farewell match. I am delighted to see so many people turning up for this. Sania Mirza is an inspiration not just for Indian tennis but for Indian sports too. As the sports minister, I used to be in touch with Sania. I wish her all the very best for her future endeavours," said Rijiju.
Her family members and friends were also present at the venue. After the match, Sania was felicitated by Rama Rao and Telangana sports minister V Srinivas Goud. "My greatest honour has been playing for my country for 20 years. Every athlete's dream is to represent their country at the highest level. I was able to do that," Sania, who thanked everyone for supporting her in her journey, said.
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As fans cheered her, Sania turned emotional. "These are very, very happy tears. I could not have asked for a better send-off," she said. Though she may have retired, she said she would be part of tennis and sports in India and Telangana. She hoped "many, many Sanias" would emerge in the country.
Azharuddin, whose son is married to Sania's younger sister Anam, praised her contribution to tennis. "Thanks. Today, we are giving a great farewell to Sania. What she has done for tennis for women in India and worldwide is an example. I wish her all the best. I know people would want her to continue to play more. But every career has to end. I think she has taken the right decision," Azharuddin told reporters. Several fans said they feel sad about Sania retiring from professional tennis.
(With inputs from PTI)
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