Sania Mirza, who married former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, gave birth to her first child - a son the couple named Izhaan
Sania Mirza graces the refurbished tennis courts at Khar Gymkhana yesterday. Pic /Aashish Vyas
New Delhi: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on Thursday announced her return to competitive tennis at the Hobart International in January, two years after taking a maternity break. The 33-year-old, who last played at the China Open in October 2017, will team up with Ukraine's Nadiia Kichenok -- ranked 38 in the WTA doubles chart. Mirza, who married former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, gave birth to her first child -- a son the couple named Izhaan.
"I am playing in Hobart, then I am playing the Australian Open," Mirza was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. "I am planning to play a tournament in Mumbai, which is a $25,000 (ITF women's event) next month, but I am 50-50 about it, so let's see how my wrist behaves. We will see, but Hobart and Australian Open (for sure)."
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She added that she had experienced "a lot of change" after having a baby. "Your routine and sleep pattern changes. I (now) feel fit, my body is where it used to be before I had the baby," Mirza said. The Hobart WTA takes place between January 11-18 and is a key lead-in tournament to the Australian Open. Mirza, regarded as India's best-ever women's tennis player, will partner American Rajeev Ram for the mixed doubles at the Australian Open. Mirza in 2005 became the first Indian to win a WTA tournament singles title.
She reached the fourth round of the US Open in the same year, and by 2007 was among the women's top 30. But a wrist injury ended her singles dream and she focused on doubles tennis. A partnership with Swiss great Martina Hingis produced three Grand Slam titles.
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