Three-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza says it took a small sacrifice to play for India at the recent Asian Games. She had to skip the Wuhan Open, which meant losing 900 ranking points.

“But, at the end of it all, I am glad that we (tennis players) contributed to the medals tally. There is no better feeling than representing your country in such a prestigious event,” remarked Sania after her return home on Monday with a mixed doubles gold and bronze in the women’s doubles event.

“I was aware that if I skipped the Wuhan Open, it would mean losing points after having qualified for the challenging WTA Tour finals featuring the top eight players in the world — in both singles and doubles.

“Yet, I was confident of staying in that elite group and I have been proved right,” said a smiling Sania as she looked back at a satisfying last three months, having won the US Open mixed doubles title, Tokyo Open women’s doubles title, two medals at the Asian Games and last weekend’s runner-up finish in the Beijing Open. Significantly, Sania also officially announced that she would be partnering Chinese Su-Wei Hsieh on the women’s doubles circuit from next January.

“It was a call that Cara Black and I had to take. I feel that by playing in a couple of tournaments with Hsieh, we can adjust to the demands of the circuit.

“Being a top doubles player herself, Hsieh should be aware of the challenges ahead. The ultimate goal is to win another Grand Slam title,” Sania said.

Biggest challenge

What was the biggest challenge to be continuously at her peak?

“I just try to stay positive without thinking too much about the results. If you are in a position to give more than 100 per cent, the results are bound to follow.

“It is difficult to predict what will be the outcome of the WTA Tour finals, more so because it is a knockout format. Let us just wait and see how things shape up,” said Sania.

Reflecting on the Asian Games, where she had to strike up combinations in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, Sania recalled that being the senior player she had to take the lead.

“It was all about ensuring the mood was upbeat and not to invite pressure by thinking too much. The focus was just on training hard and playing to our potential,” she said.

“I feel that Saketh (Myneni) is a better player than his current ranking indicates. His forehand is brilliant, and I told him in a lighter vein that if he doesn’t break into the top 50 within a year, he would face the music,” Sania said.

About her goals, she said: “Another Grand Slam title and then the journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics. That is one medal I would love to win before I think of quitting the sport. I think I have the game and the grit to keep going. All I need is a little bit of luck to stay free from injuries,” Sania signed off.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 06th, 2014