|
India's star tennis player Sania Mirza made a stunning come back to the international circuit by winning the 2009 Australia Open mixed doubles title with Mahesh Bhupathi. For the 22-year-old Sania, who was fought a career threatening wrist injury, it was her maiden Grand Slam title and also the first by an Indian woman. The wrist injury forced the Hyderabadi out of international circuit for most part of 2008 and also pushed her out of the top-100 in singles rankings. She spoke to TWF correspondent A. Roy on her return to glory
You made a great comeback from injury by winning the Australian Open mixed doubles. Were you expecting such a comeback?
I had worked hard for my comeback but the win at the Australian Open so early after I got back on the circuit was satisfying.
You must be very encouraged the way you started this season.
Yes, the start has been good and I hope I stay healthy the whole season. Couple of other tournaments are also coming up before the important French Open and Wimbledon. The most important thing for me at this stage is that I am feeling better than before and not thinking what I am going to achieve in future.
How has been the experience of playing with Mahesh Bhupathi?
Mahesh is one of the greatest doubles players in the world and it has been a great experience playing alongside him. We get along extremely well on and off the court.
You trained with famous Gil Reyes (Andre Agassi's coach) in Las Vegas. Can you elaborate on the training session you had there?
Gil Reyes is a world renowned trainer, who has worked with the likes of Andre Agassi. I had a short stint with him and would like to go back to him to benefit more. What can you dream more? It should help me improve my game. He, as we all know, is a fantastic trainer. I am just excited about it.
How is you wrist now. Have you recovered fully?
By the grace of God, the wrist is doing fine so far.
What kind of precautions are you taking now. And being extra cautious puts some pressure on you?
I am doing some strengthening exercises for the wrist and do a lot of stretching before and after I play.
Can you tell us something about the recovery process of your wrist?
I had a surgery in Miami last March but it was still painful 5 months after that and the movement was restricted. I prayed to the Almighty to help me get over the tough time. In fact, that period was the toughest in my life. After getting up in the morning I used to check my wrist everyday. I was not even able to eat with my hand. But thank God I have got over that period of my life. Jatin Choudhary helped me with Spiral Therapy and it's doing fine since then.
Are you happy with the way your career has progressed?
In a way, I am happy. But can't be satisfied because as a sports person I have to keep on improving every day. I am making steady progress and that certainly makes me happy. My dream of winning a Grand Slam came true with the Australian Open and I have to just keep on performing.
How do you see the success of Yuki Bhambri and Somdev Devvarman?
It's great for Indian tennis. Somdev and I played juniors together and I feel proud that another batchmate has made a breakthrough at the international level. As for Yuki, I've seen him as a kid and it's wonderful to see him do so well in the Juniors.
Why is that in the women's section we didn't get the same success?
Hopefully, we will see some girls emerging a few years down the line.
Recently the government introduced new laws for representation of Indian players. It seems that the Fed Cup team has been the worst hit. What do you think about it?
I'm sure the Government has its reasons for making these laws. I personally take a lot of pride in playing for my country and would continue to play if selected and of course, if fit.
|
){kind=link}