The 21-year-old will take part in the $2.5 million Qatar Total Open, ironically, in front of crowds mainly comprising the Asians and mainly expatriate Indians.
Mirza claims full fitness as she sets up her campaign for the Qatar Total OpenDOHA: After all the fuss over her fitness — she had a 5cm muscle tear and also back spasms — and her reason to give the Bangalore Open a miss following off-court controversies, Sania Mirza cleared all doubts by landing at the Doha airport on Friday.
The 21-year-old will take part in the $2.5 million Qatar Total Open, ironically, in front of crowds mainly comprising the Asians and mainly expatriate Indians. But Sania was quick to say that she was here to do what she knows best — playing tennis.
“I’m here to play some good tennis, that’s it,” said Mirza. Claiming that she was tired of irresponsible accusations back home in India, she had decided to stay out of the Bangalore Open, featuring both Williams sisters.
With a lot of Indians here, mother Nasima understandably was vary of Sania speaking to the press and whisked her away, saying: “Sania tum ander jao,” (Sania, you go in) as her car arrived.
However, Sania reaffirmed her fitness status. “I was suffering from back spasm but have recovered fully. As of now, I am very much fit. . I also have managed some useful practice in the last week,” said Mirza, who has a strong field of top players to beat. Mirza has several fond memories in Doha, with one gold and two silvers in mix doubles, singles and doubles respectively at 2006 Asian Games.
Apart from being a happy hunting ground for Sania, Doha has also been a home away from home and a jam-packed stadium awaits her. “I have always enjoyed playing here. The support has always been there for me and my sole aim of coming here is to do well.
I am very much looking forward to challenge,” said Mirza, who made it to the third round of the Australian Open this year and settled for the runners-up trophy in the mixed doubles pairing with Bhupathi.
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