The Journey Of Sania Mirza
Sportstar|January 16, 2016

“My journey in life and in sport has been truly fabulous — full of emotions that only I and my family members can experience,” says Sania Mirza.

V. V. Subrahmanyam
The Journey Of Sania Mirza

She may be the World No. 1in women’s doubles, but life has not really changed for Sania Mirza. The 29 year-old tennis star from Hyderabad still follows the same routine — rising up early, before much of the city wakes up, picking up her kit bag and driving straight to the court for her daily training. In fact, she has been doing this for close to 24 years now. So, it is not for nothing that Sania is the numero uno in women’s doubles.

Unlike many in her age group who would love to have an outing with friends and relatives at least during weekends, Sania’s lifestyle is completely different, and this despite achieving what no other Indian women’s tennis player has. She sometimes finds it difficult even to allocate time for attending weddings in the family.

“I am glad that I was here in the city for my cousin’s wedding. These things have become a privilege of sorts for me because of time factor,” says Sania, who took some time out from her busy training schedule to speak to Sportstar.

Life has always been a tough grind for the winner of five doubles titles in the majors. “Yes, there is no doubt I love to spend time with my parents, sister, family and friends but just cannot do that, for I still play tennis passionately; it is my first love,” says Sania. “And, well if you want to be the No. 1 in your sport, you have to make these kinds of sacrifices,” she adds.

This story is from the January 16, 2016 edition of Sportstar.

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This story is from the January 16, 2016 edition of Sportstar.

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