Sania Mirza, one of India’s most prominent athletes, lost the Australian Open Mixed Doubles final on Friday, ending her illustrious Grand Slam journey. The Brazilian duo of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos won the Australian Open, defeating the Indian duo of Sania and Rohan Bopanna 7-6, 6-2 in the final. Sania greeted the Brazilian duo after the game, congratulating them on their well-deserved victory. However, as she began to speak about her journey, the ace tennis player struggled to hold back tears.
Sania had already announced that she would be ending her Grand Slam journey with the Australian Open 2023. The 36-year-old athlete, however, does have plans to play a few more events before she pulls the curtains on her illustrious career.
“My professional career started in Melbourne… I couldn’t think of a better arena to finish my [Grand Slam] career at” she said.
“Rod Laver Arena has been special. Never thought I’d be able to play in a Grand Slam final, in front of my son,” she added.
Sania reached her 11th Grand Slam final. She has won 43 doubles titles, including six Grand Slams, and has been the WTA No. 1 player in the women’s doubles category for 91 weeks.
Bopanna, on the other hand, was in his fourth Grand Slam final, having won one title in 2017 while playing alongside Timea Babos.
Sania appeared to be in command at times, demonstrating that she still has a lot to offer. In the final against the Brazilians, he produced some strong returns as well as his trademark forehand shots.
