Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who bid adieu to the sport earlier this month, was overcome with emotion as she gave her Grand Slam career retirement speech.
The 36-year-old athlete, who played her first Grand Slam 18 years ago, is in Australia for the final Australian Open event of her career.
During her tearful farewell speech, Sania couldn’t control her emotions and said: “I just want to start by saying that if I cry, it’s tears of joy and not tears of sadness, so it’s just a It is denied.
"Sorry guys…" 🥹❤️
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 27, 2023
Indian doubles legend Sania Mirza was overcome with emotion as she bowed out of grand slam tennis. Congrats on an incredible career! 👏👏
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She began her speech by congratulating her opponents, saying: “This is your moment and I really don’t want to take it away, and I really know from the bottom of my heart that you guys have done an amazing job. Played like you deserved to win today, so congratulations and good luck.”
Sania then said that she is still going to play some more tournaments.
Reflecting on his career, the tennis star said that his professional career journey started from Melbourne.
It started in Melbourne in 2005 when I played Serena Williams in the third round as an 18-year-old, and that was a pretty scary 18 years ago.
“I’ve had the privilege of coming here time and time again and winning some tournaments here and playing some great finals between you all and this Rod Laver Arena has been really special in my life, and I can’t think of a better arena. Could. To end my career in a Grand Slam. Thank you so much for making me feel at home here,” he expressed.
Talking about her partner, Sania said that Rohan was her first mixed doubles partner when she was 14 and won the Nationals.
“It wasn’t the same field, but it was a long time ago. It was 22 years ago, and I couldn’t think of a better person. He’s one of my best friends and my best. One of the partners. End my career here and play the final. Obviously we didn’t cross the line but for me and for me as a person what better place to end my Grand Slam career. No. So Rohan, thank you for playing,” he said.
Sania said that her family and team are with her. “I never thought I’d be able to play in front of my kid in a Grand Slam final, so it’s really special for me to have my four-year-old here, and my parents here and Rohan’s wife, Scotty, here. All my trainers, my family from Australia, who made me feel like a home away from home.”
The star thanked everyone for their support. “Thank you guys so much for all the support all week and all my life. It’s been really, really special and I couldn’t have achieved anything without each and every one of you,” Sania said.
At the end of her speech, she said: “Thank you so much for everything and thank you Australia for making me feel at home.”
