Before battling for the coveted Australian Open title in mixed doubles, Sania Mirza had already won the hearts of tennis fans worldwide, especially those from India. Her determination to challenge herself during tough times was something that her followers couldn’t help but admire. And her flamboyance on the court could not be missed. Young girls and women who did not follow tennis still knew her for her fashion sense, and it gave many a reason to start watching tennis, since Mirza had established herself as a rising sensation.
Players like Leela Row Dayal, Nirupama Mankad and Nirupama Vaidyanathan were early trailblazers in Indian women’s tennis. And following in their footsteps was Sania Mirza, with her remarkable talent and grit. She created a niche for herself and ponytailed girls flooded the tennis courts across the country to emulate the unparalleled ambassador for tennis in India.
Mirza was born in Mumbai, and her parents were from Hyderabad (colloquially known as the “city of Nawabs”). After many ups and downs, the family shifted to the US sometime in 1990. But they did not enjoy their time there, and finally, her father, Imran Mirza, decided to move back to India.
On returning to Hyderabad, Mirza’s mother made her sign up…
Source: A new book recounts tennis stars Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi winning the 2009 Australian Open
