Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has been showered with praises by none other former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova. Though even after getting married to Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik, the Hyderabad girl still aims to improve her singles ranking. This shows her grit and determination, which is exemplary for emerging players.
Meanwhile, it was the Russian beauty who recently said that Sania is a bundle of enormous talent levels that she needs to unleash yet. It is a known fact that Sania has recently teamed up with tennis legend Bob Bryan to play in the mixed doubles event, which she says is an honour.
"I think she has had so much success in the doubles court and when you play both singles and doubles, concentrating on all those events and all those matches is very difficult. So sometimes you might have to choose," said Sharapova, when questioned about the Indian tennis star shifting her focus to doubles.
"But I think her talent was really incredible and even though we played a very long time ago, she was a very big competitor," added Sharapova, who played against Sania twice, including the fourth round at 2005 US Open.
As far as her teaming up with Bob is considered, she is definitely elated having been paired with 18 time Grand Slam winner. She already had the experience of playing in the company of legends like Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes.
The 25-year-old girl who now resides in Dubai is positive about the setting up of an academy to groom talented young players.
"The academy will also focus on rural areas and tap the talent available there," Sania was quoted as saying in a release from the organisers.
Speaking about India's campaign at the London Olympics, she said, "we should move on and look at the positive aspects."
She has even opened up about her fitness campaign as well. In fact, Sania said city people have become more health conscious.
"Though Hyderabad was thought to be laid back, it's no more the scenario with people here taking to fitness and sports enthusiastically. People here have become health conscious. More and more kids are taking to sports inspired by great sportsmen from the city like Azharuddin, VVS Laxman and Saina Nehwal," she said.
She attended a gala of sports events as part of promoting them. On being seen recently at Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix, she said her husband Shoaib Malik is a great fan of racing cars and owns a couple of them.
"It was an amazing experience to zip off at 300-350 kms speed."
Sania said that health and fitness are crucial part of life in Sunday's world and that initiatives like 'Nirmal Marks for Sports campaign' encourage and inspire people.
The future holds bright for the Indian tennis ace as she expects to achieve more milestones. It is ironic that no other tennis star has been able to reach her level. Sania Mirza is lauded for her on and off field activities and her fans hope that she continue the good work she does.
