In Pics: Sania Mirza bids farewell at place where it began
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
The six-time Grand Slam winner – three in women's doubles and as many in mixed doubles – turned emotional while giving her farewell speech, said the greatest honour for her has been to play for the country for 20 years.
1 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
With "happy tears", Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza on Sunday ended her path-breaking journey as a player at the place where it all began.(PTI)
2 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
She played exhibition matches featuring Rohan Bopanna, Yuvraj Singh and her 'best friend' Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Ivan Dodig, Cara Black and Marion Bartoli, Sania finally said goodbye to her illustrious career at the Lal Bahadur Tennis Stadium, in Hyderabad, the venue where she signalled her arrival on the big stage with a historic WTA singles title triumph nearly two decades ago.(AP)
3 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
Having arrived at the venue in a swanky red car, the 36-year-old Sania was greeted by cheering fans that also included prominent personalities.(PTI)
4 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
On the occasion, the six-time Grand Slam winner -- three in women's doubles and as many in mixed doubles --, who turned emotional while giving her farewell speech, said the greatest honour for her has been to play for the country for 20 years.(AP)
5 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
Sania, who thanked everyone for supporting her in her journey, said: "The greatest honour for me has been to play for my country for 20 years. It is every athlete's dream to represent their country at the highest level. I was able to do that. I would like to thank everyone, who came to celebrate. I couldn't have asked for a better farewell."(PTI)
6 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
Though she may have retired, Sania said she is going to be a part of tennis and sports in India and in Telangana. She hoped that "many, many Sanias" would emerge in the country and many more amazing athletes will come out from this stadium and this country.(ANI)
7 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Mar 05, 2023 08:53 PM IST
