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She’s back, in form

Final call Sania at the Pattaya Open

Sania Mirza is back in the news for all right reasons. After a demoralising, six-month break due to injury, the biggest name of Indian women’s tennis is busy doing what she is adept at — making headlines with her now-familiar displays on the tennis court.

Within a couple of weeks of coming back into the circuit, Sania created history by becoming the first Indian woman player to win a Grand Slam title. She picked up the mixed doubles trophy partnering Mahesh Bhupathi in the Australian Open. And to prove that it was not a one-off performance, the Hyderabadi made it to the final of WTA Pattaya Open with a stunning display. “I am enjoying my game again. It is such a good feeling to be back to winning ways,” says a thrilled Sania.

It is not an easy proposition to get back in the business after missing the action for such a long time. But what was unmistakable was the fighting spirit. And also the never-say-die attitude of parents Imran and Naseema.

“We were never in doubt about our daughter coming back into the big league. All that we did during the break was to keep her in cheerful mood without a worry,” recalls the proud mother.

Battling adversities is nothing new and given the recent impressive run at the highest level is any indication, it is obvious that Sania means business now.

For someone who is chasing her dream to win the Grand Slam singles title, the beginning of 2009 could not have been better her.

And, now consider this brief conversation between the proud parents in late 80s when they were watching Steffi Graf and Conchita Martinez in the Wimbledon semi-finals. “How would you like to see your daughter (Sania) play in Wimbledon?”

This was the question posed by Imran to his wife when Sania was just five years of age.

Pat came the reply from Naseema Mirza: “I will give my life if I get a chance to see that.”

“The significance of my recent successes should be viewed keeping in mind that I was coming back after a demoralising six-month break. It is not easy to get back on court and in such demanding conditions,” Sania says.

“I am enjoying every bit of action out there. Even in the second round loss in the singles of the Australian Open, there were many positives. I was hitting the ball really well and even came up with big forehands consistently,” she explains.

Sania believes that she has every reason now to look positively at a Grand Slam singles title. “I prefer to go step-by-step. Now, I have bagged the doubles. So why not think about the singles? I am aware that is a huge task. But, I am equally confident that if everything goes well, it might become be a reality too.”

Sania says that the Grand Slam title was not the result of a short-term programme. “It is the culmination of years of struggle and dedication. I am grateful to my parents for giving me support even when I was down with injury.” Can anyone dispute that?

V.V. SUBRAHAMANYAM

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