Two-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza feels she is going through one of the best phases of her career and as such is not even close to thinking about quitting the sport within the next couple of years.
“Right now, I am enjoying every bit, and to win five WTA titles in a year is by no means an ordinary achievement. I wish to continue this impressive run, which was possible because I was injury-free,” said the 25-year-old here.
Referring to her twin triumph in women’s doubles in the Pan Pacific and China Open, partnering Zimbabwean Cara Black, Sania feels she is learning a lot from her partner, who, she believes, is playing the best tennis of her career.
“The best part is that Cara is a doubles specialist, who trains and does so many things differently.
“I am really enjoying every moment of my partnership with her,” Sania said.
Asked whether the two WTA titles in the space of a few days would mean setting new targets, Sania said, “Every time I set a new target, I mostly get injured. So this time around, I am not going to think too far, and instead take it event by event. I can confidently say I will be there on the circuit next year, and probably think of other options later on. But, there is one thing I would love to do — win another Grand Slam before I really contemplate quitting the sport.
“As in life, you tend to keep learning right through. I never thought I was a complete player. Definitely, I am more mature right now, have achieved what many would have never thought I would when I first started playing tennis,” she said.
On the academy
On the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy near Hyderabad, Sania wished she had a similar facility while growing up in the big league.
“Things would have been much easier; and the reason why our family set up this academy was to provide an answer to the big query — who after Sania?” she remarked.
“There is no doubt I am thoroughly enjoying the second half of my tennis career, if one remembers the frustrating phase when I could not even comb my hair because of a wrist injury, leave alone hold a racquet.
“It is a great feeling to be back and winning some major titles,” said the World No. 7 in women’s doubles.
“Let me enjoy the sweet success I have had in the past 15 days, take a break from the sport for three weeks to spend some time with my husband Shoaib ,” Sania signed off after spending some time with the trainees at the academy.
