Sania Mirza, a six-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.1 in doubles, recently announced her retirement from professional tennis after a first-round defeat in the WTA Dubai Duty Free Championships in February 2023. The 36-year-old Indian tennis star has been a trailblazer for female tennis players in her country and a source of inspiration for many aspiring athletes around the world.With six Grand Slam titles and numerous other accolades, Mirza’s contribution to Indian tennis is unparalleled.
Let’s take a look back at some of the records and achievements of Sania Mirza’s remarkable career.
- First Indian Woman to Win a Grand Slam Title
In 2009, Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title in tennis. She won the Australian Open mixed doubles title partnering with Mahesh Bhupathi. She later won the French Open mixed doubles with Bhupathi in 2012. In 2014, she won the US Open mixed doubles with Bruno Soares. In 2015, she partnered with Martina Hingis to win the women’s doubles at the Wimbledon and US Open, as well as the Australian Open in 2016.
- First Indian Woman to Win a WTA Title
At the age of 17, Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to win a WTA title in 2004. She won the doubles trophy at the Hyderabad Open partnering with Liezel Huber. The following year, she won the singles trophy at the same event, becoming the first Indian woman to win a WTA singles event.
- First Indian Woman to Be World No. 1
Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to be ranked No.1 in the WTA doubles rankings in 2015. She held the top spot for 91 weeks and won a total of 43 WTA doubles titles in her career.
- First Indian Woman to Break into WTA’s Top 30 Singles Ranking
In 2007, Sania Mirza broke into the top 50 of the WTA singles rankings and achieved a career-high of world no. 27 in singles.
- First Indian Woman to Reach Grand Slam Fourth Round in Singles
In 2005, Sania Mirza reached the fourth round of the US Open and became the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in a Grand Slam singles event. Her singles campaign ended with a defeat to Maria Sharapova.
Rise to the Top
Mirza began playing tennis at the age of six and turned pro in 2003. She soon became India’s top-ranked female singles player and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 27 in 2007. However, a wrist injury forced her to switch to doubles, where she found even greater success.
Doubles Dominance
Mirza’s prowess in doubles was nothing short of extraordinary. With 43 WTA doubles titles to her name, she is the most successful Indian tennis player of all time. She spent 91 weeks at the top of the doubles rankings and won six Grand Slam titles – three each in women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Trailblazer for Women’s Tennis in India
Mirza’s achievements extended far beyond the court. She was a trailblazer for women’s tennis in India, becoming the first Indian woman to win a WTA Tour title, qualify for the WTA Finals and win a Grand Slam title. She was also the first Indian woman to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles tournament.
A True Inspiration
Mirza’s success on the court and off it made her a true inspiration to millions. She was named one of the “50 Heroes of Asia” by Time magazine in 2005 and was included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016. She was appointed as the UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia in 2013 and used her platform to advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Legacy and Impact
Mirza’s legacy and impact on Indian tennis cannot be overstated. She inspired a generation of young tennis players and paved the way for women to excel in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Her contributions to Indian sports earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honor.
Sania Mirza’s Career Earnings
Sania Mirza has been one of the highest-paid female athletes in India and has made a significant contribution to the growth of tennis in the country. According to The Bridge, she has earned over Rs 52 crore in her career, not including earnings from brand endorsements. When she became World No.1 in 2015, she charged between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 1 crore per endorsement.
As Sania Mirza steps away from professional tennis, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of young athletes. Her success on the court and her advocacy for women’s rights off the court have cemented her as a true legend of Indian sports.
As Sania Mirza retires, she will start a new chapter in her career as a mentor for the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Women’s Premier League starting in March this year. Her retirement from tennis will undoubtedly leave a void in the sport, but her legacy as a pioneer for female tennis players in India and around the world will continue to inspire generations to come.
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