Sania finally said goodbye to her illustrious career at the Lal Bahadur Tennis Stadium, where she signaled her arrival on the big stage with a historic WTA singles title triumph nearly two decades ago, by playing in exhibition matches featuring Rohan Bopanna, Yuvraj Singh, and her ‘best friend’ Bethanie Mettek Sands.
Eminent figures such as Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and former India cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin attended the exhibition games. Sania, 36, was greeted by cheering fans who included prominent personalities as she arrived at the venue in a swanky red car.
Sania, who became emotional during her farewell speech, stated that playing for the country for 20 years has been the greatest honour for her. The six-time Grand Slam champion (three in women’s doubles and three in mixed doubles) played two mixed doubles exhibition matches and won both.
The venue, where she had won some memorable titles, was decked out in a festive mood, with banners proclaiming ‘Celebrating The Legacy of Sania Mirza’ erected.
Some fans carried placards that read, ‘thank you for the memories, Sania’ and ‘we will miss you, Sania’. As she entered the court, spectators, mostly schoolchildren, applauded.
I am so excited to play my final match in front of you all, she said before the match. Rijiju, the former Union Sports Minister, Telangana Minister K T Rama Rao, Azharuddin, and Yuvraj were among those in attendance.
I’ve travelled to Hyderabad for Sania Mirza’s farewell match. I’m overjoyed to see so many people turn out for this. Sania Mirza is an inspiration not only for Indian tennis but also for Indian sports, Rijiju said.
When I was sports minister, I kept in touch with Sania. I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours. Her family and friends were also in attendance at the event.
Sania was honoured after the game by Rama Rao and Telangana Sports Minister V Srinivas Goud.
The greatest honour for me has been to play for my country for 20 years. Every athlete’s dream is to represent their country at the highest level possible. I was able to do that, Sania said, thanking everyone for their help on her journey.
Sania became emotional as fans applauded her. These are very happy tears. There could not have been a better send-off, she said. Despite her retirement, she plans to stay involved in tennis and sports in India and Telangana, she said.
She hoped for many, many Sanias to appear in the country. Sania’s younger sister Anam’s son, Azharuddin, praised her contribution to tennis.
I believe we are bidding Sania farewell today. What she has done for women in India and around the world is an example, in my opinion. I wish her the best, Azharuddin said to reporters.
I know people would like to see her play more. However, every career must come to an end. I believe she made the correct decision, he said. Several fans expressed their sadness at Sania’s retirement from professional tennis.
