We’re great friends: Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza reveals the secret behind her on-field chemistry with Mahesh Bhupathi in an interview with DNA.

Your first Grand Slam title. When did you begin anticipating it?
In international sport, one can only work hard and single-mindedly aim towards the goal.

Your first junior Grand Slam title came when you were 17. How have you grown as a player?
Yes, I feel I’m a far more matured player today than I was when I won the Junior Wimbledon title at 16.

Winning a Grand Slam title is surely the best way to begin your year. What plans for 2009?
I have had a rough 2008 in terms of injuries and would like to take each day as it comes in the current year.

How was the reception back home? Were you overwhelmed?
Absolutely amazing! A sporting victory brings so many smiles to our people and its wonderful to see them rejoice!

After your doubles triumph, how are you looking at improving your singles form? What do you think is going wrong in your singles game?
Singles is far more physically demanding and even a small niggle can affect performance. I feel I’m striking the ball well and If I can have a long run on the circuit without an injury, I can do some serious damage in singles as well.

Is Mahesh your best pick for mixed doubles?
He is right up there!

What kind of off and on-court relationship do you share with Mahesh?
We are great friends on and off the court and our families get along wonderfully as well.
You said that you were undergoing depression last year after your wrist injury.

How has the emotional roller coaster been from then to now?
It has been a trying period and tested my resilience fully.

Being a star, how difficult do you find it to handle fame and controversies?
In India, it goes with the territory and one has to learn to deal with it.

Did you find it important to prove your worth to those raising eyebrows over your ability?
I play tennis for myself and for my country. I don’t play to prove my worth to those who have very little knowledge.

Could you tell us about your abdomen injury — the nature and seriousness of it?
There is a three centimetre tear in my abdominal muscle, which has been very painful.
According to the doctors, it had the potential to get serious if I continued playing. They have prescribed a week’s rest for me and are confident that I should be back as soon as that heals.