EXCLUSIVE: Sania thrilled

Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza spoke exclusively to espnstar.com, moments after winning the ITF Lexington Challenger.

By Sudeer Mahavaadi

Sania, who got engaged, two weeks back, fought a tough battle against Mong Yun in the semi-finals before exhibiting some terrific tennis in the finals. 

Q: Sania, does this triumph come as an icing on the cake after your engagement?

SM: Yes, indeed. Winning is always a delight. And this win for me is not ordinary, it’s something significantly special. It has been very tough over the last one and a half months. But I have always prioritised my game and never missed any practice sessions. Looking back, it was not easy to overcome the top seed, Julie Coin. After a difficult first set, which went into the tie-breaker, I hit peak in the second and eventually made it. But, the semi-final win over Mong Yun was even better.

Q: Your fiancé Shohrab must be delighted too?

SM: Why not? Like the way I am concentrating on my game right now, he should be very keen on pursuing his MBA in England. His support will definitely be there.

Q: Apparently, your main concentration hereafter must be on the US Open?

SM: Yes. As a prelude to the preparation for the big one, I am going to play in two or three tournaments before that. Later this month, I will participate in a tournament in Canada, which will be followed by a qualifying one in Toronto and one in Bronx (New York). I hope I can fine-tune my game in time for the US Open. I had missed the Stanford Championship since I had exhausted three wild-card entries this year. I played in the Indian wells, Miami and Dubai tournaments.

Sania wins Lexington Challenger

Q: Will this give you enough time to adjust to conditions in New York?

SM: There are about three to four weeks left. And I have some sweet memories of 2007. I had to miss out in 2008 because of injury. Now I hope I can carry on the winning form to go one up on the earlier performances.

Q: With your father not accompanying you this time, were you worried?

SM: Well, in a way it was compensated by my mother's support. They are my inspirations.

Q: Fitness wise, are you fighting fit?
 
SM: Touch wood! I have absolutely no problems on that front. I am hitting the ball well, I am serving better. The only thing is that I should show my full potential on the days I play.