New Delhi, June 05: Sania Mirza might have failed in her quest to become the first Indian to win a Grand Slam women’s doubles title, but her emotions after losing in the French Open final were a mixed bag.
Sania and her Russian partner Elena Vesnina were beaten in straight sets by unseeded Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka on Friday, but the Indian ace wrote on her Twitter page that she was relieved to be playing at all.
“ It was very emotional today since I didn’t even know if I could play tennis again with my injury last year. God has been kind!” Sania wrote, referring to the succession of wrist injuries that hampered her career over the last few years.
Looking back at the women’s doubles final, Sania said: “ A loss is a loss at any stage and initially, it hurts. But when I look back at where my career was a while back, there is a feeling of immense satisfaction at what I have managed to achieve.” On her pairing with Vesnina, which has brought her two doubles titles on tour, Sania said their off- court friendship has helped. “ We’ve been friends since our junior days and get along wonderfully. She has a brilliant backhand and serve and is an ideal foil for the forehand and return of serve, which are my strengths.
Vesnina was also effusive in her praise for Sania. She tweeted: “ We lost today, but it’s not the end of the world:) 3 month ago me and Sania didn’t even think that we can go that far at the Grand Slams:) And we won 2 tournaments and made this final in Roland Garros. I think it’s amazing and India should be proud that they have Sania!:)” Thanking her fans and wellwishers, Sania tweeted: “ It’s been a great journey these 2 weeks and hopefully a lot more to come. I want to thank each and every one of you… for the support and love. And the one thing that made me smile today is seeing all ur tweets. Thank you very much, really means lot… Goodbye Roland Garros, on to the grass now, next stop Birmingham, early tomm morning. Lots of love to all.
“ I think I’ve generally lost better players in the Grand Slams ( in singles). I lost Henin in the Australian Open and to Radwanska in the French Open. I will continue work hard and try to be the best that I can be,” she said.
Courtesy: Mailtoday