Women’s tennis icon Maria Sharapova on Sunday said Sania Mirza was a great singles talent but it was right for the Indian to focus on doubles due to the demanding nature of the game.
“It takes so much both mentally and physically to play in two formats. It becomes difficult to give equal attention to singles and doubles,” said Sharapova on her first visit to India.
The World No.2 recalled her on-court meetings with Sania, who has stopped playing singles owing to recurring knee problems.
“It has been long since we played but she was a great talent. I am really happy that she is doing well in doubles. It is hard to continue with both formats. Sometimes you got to choose one,” said Sharapova, who played against Sania twice including the fourth round at 2005 US Open.
Sania is ranked 12th in doubles and 280th in singles.
About Sania’s decision to compete only in the doubles, Sharapova said that one has to understand that tennis is a very physical sport and it needs a lot of hard work to sustain at both the formats.
“You have to understand that it is not easy to play in both the formats of the game. It is very challenging and sometimes you have to make the choice,” said Sharapova, who is on her maiden trip to India.
Sharapova, meanwhile, said that it was not an overnight process to reach the top and it takes hard yards to make what you are.
“It is not an overnight process. Share talent, coaches or money can’t get you the success. The sport has become very physical, even the first round of the competitions is getting very tough. You don’t see young teenagers winning the big championships,” she said.
On her first encounter with India, Sharapova said, “It feels amazing that I am here. It has taken me so long to get to India. I have so much of fans in this country and it feels great to get such a warm welcome. I wish at some point of time they can watch me live,” she said.
Asked about her tryst with the Indian cuisine and what memories she would take home from here, the versatile athlete said: “I arrived here last night. In the morning I asked the chef on what should I try of the Indian food. I had a Dosa which tasted really nice. I wanted to have this great Indian experience. There is so much energy in the city, I have been in some quite areas recently and I really liked the culture and the people here.”
Asked whether she will be visiting the Taj Mahal, the Russian said it won’t be possible this time around. However, she said that she would like to explore the city markets and take some souvenirs for her friends back home.
Keywords: Maria Sharapova, Sania Mirza, Maria Sharapova's India visit
I share Darshil's views. Indians find it difficult to shine in singles
because of lack of strength and fitness. These are prime requirements,
maybe even more than skill, for barring exceptions like Ferrer,
strapping six-footers rule, including the top four, plus virtual
giants on the fringe such as Berdych, Del Potro,Tsonga, Isner,
Janowicz, Raonic, Querry, and Rosol. In this physically demanding
sport, even a strong guy like Soderling has struggled with injury for
almost the whole year, not to speak of the great Nadal, who has been
out since July. Somdev cannot be written off yet, for after six losses
since his return from a shoulder injury, he won two matches recently,
and 2013 may prove whether he can get back to near his peak of world
number 62 in singles or even surpass it. I still have hopes on
Bhambri, and also Vishnu and Sanam. Sania Mirza, ranked 27 in singles
in 2007, showed the way for women's tennis in India and remains a
credit to our sport despite her injuries.
It would have been great for Indian tennis had Sania continued to play
in the singles. Even though she continues to play in doubles, the
enthusiasm has faded away for her in India.India already have the best
players of doubles in Leander and Bhupti. Somdev and Sania were our hope
in singles but unfortunately for India, they were plagued with injuries.
Hope now lies on the youngsters like junior grand slam champion Yuki
Bhambhri and others to come out and make a name for India.
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