Sania Mirza ends her career where it started

With ‘tears of joy’, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza on Sunday ended her path-breaking journey as a player at the place from where it all began. Playing in exhibition matches against Rohan Bopanna, Yuvraj Singh and her ‘best friend’ Bethanie Matek-Sands, Sania finally bid farewell to her illustrious career at the Lal Bahadur Tennis Stadium, where she signaled her arrival on the big stage with a historic Had given. WTA singles title won nearly two decades ago.

Eminent personalities including Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and former India cricket team captain Mohammad Azharuddin witnessed the exhibition games.

The 36-year-old Sania was greeted by fans, including prominent personalities, when she arrived at the venue in a glittering red car.

While delivering the farewell speech, an emotional Sania said that the biggest honor for her has been to play for the country for 20 years.

On this occasion, the six-time Grand Slam winner (three in women’s doubles and the same number in mixed doubles) played two mixed doubles exhibition matches and won both.

The place where she won some memorable titles had banners like ‘Celebrating the Legacy of Sania Mirza’.

Some fans held placards that read ‘Thank you for the memories’ and ‘We will miss you Sania’.

As she entered the court, the audience, mostly school children, cheered her.

He said before the match, “I am very excited to play my last match in front of all of you.”

Rijiju, who was formerly the Union Sports Minister, Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao, Azharuddin and Yuvraj were among the guests present at the venue.

Rijiju said, “I have come to Hyderabad for Sania Mirza’s farewell, her farewell match. I am happy to see that so many people turned up. Sania Mirza is an inspiration not only for Indian tennis but also for Indian sports.” “

“Used to come in contact with Sania when I was sports minister. I wish her all the best for her future endeavours.” His family members and friends were also present at the event.

Sania was felicitated by Rama Rao and Telangana Sports Minister V Srinivasa Goud after the match.

“The biggest honor for me has been to play for my country for 20 years. It is every athlete’s dream to represent my country at the highest level. I was able to do that,” Sania said. , Said.

Sania turned emotional as her fans cheered her.

“These are tears of so much joy. I couldn’t have asked for a better farewell,” she said.

She said that even though she has retired, she is going to be a part of tennis and sports in India and Telangana.

He was hopeful 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.

Azharuddin told reporters, “I think we are giving Sania a wonderful farewell today. She is an example of what she has done for tennis for women in India and around the world. I wish her all the best.”

“I know people want him to play more. But every career has to come to an end. I think he has made the right decision,” he added.

Many fans said that they are saddened by Sania’s retirement from professional tennis.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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