India’s Sania Mirza, who bagged her third Grand Slam title on winning the mixed doubles crown in the US Open on Friday night, said every Slam was important in an exclusive interview with The Hindu .
She said: “it was a moment of joy when I picked up my third Grand Slam title and this should only spur me to dream bigger.”
Referring to her exit in the doubles semifinals earlier in the day, Sania said: “a loss at any major tournament hurts. But a US Open title is adequate compensation for that.”
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On her mixed doubles partner Bruno Soares of Brazil, Sania said the fact that they won a Grand Slam title on their very first attempt together was proof of their “wonderful chemistry”.
“He has the remarkable capacity to raise his game dramatically when the chips are down,” said Sania, who earlier won the mixed doubles titles in the 2009 Australian Open and the 2012 French Open. “I am glad that he readily accepted to be my partner in the Australian Open too,” she said.
Was there pressure when it looked as if the final tie-break could go either way? “Yes, we all feel the pressure, particularly when a Grand Slam title is within grasp! Everyone gets tight and more than the tennis, it is the better handling of nerves that determines the winner,” said Sania.
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Asked whether this title was a reminder of her talents to critics who keep writing her off, Sania said: “A sportsperson has to deal with all kinds of criticism. Some of it is constructive but not always so. With experience one learns to handle such things and ignore the critics.”
She also said it was always a special feeling to win a Grand Slam title with family members watching from the stands. “I am glad my dad (Imran Mirza), who incidentally was there when I won the three Grand Slam titles, and sister (Anam) were there,” she said.