Australian Open triumph would boost Indian tennis: Sania
Amanpreet SinghNew Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) The feeling of creating history has started to sink in and Sania Mirza, who today became the first Indian woman Grand Slam winner, says the way the new season has started, Indian tennis is definitely in for some good time ahead.
The 22-year-old Hyderabadi ace said she is not only "enjoying" the moment of but also hoping that this feat of her, together with Mahesh Bhupathi, will further provide fillip to the game in the country.
"It took a few minutes to believe (that I have won my first Grand Slam title). It's great to be a Grand Slam winner. I am at the airport and enjoying the moment. It's a dream come true," Sania told PTI from Melbourne as she prepared to flying home back.
Sania reckoned the last few weeks have been amazing for Indian tennis and it all started with the rise of Somdev Devavrman who reached final of Chennai Open.
"Of course it was a great start with Somdev, then Yuki won yesterday and we won today. It's great to beginning to the year and I hope Indian tennis gets more fillip from these feats," she said.
Sania looked much more impressive this year and she combined excellently with Bhupathi throughout the tournament. Asked if that was the reason behind their success, the tennis ace said, "We have always complemented each other's game. Last year also we had reached the finals and it's not a joke to reach that level.
"But yes, my game has improved and I am much better physically and it always helps," she said. PTI
India shining at Oz Open, Sania-Bhupathi wins mixed doubles
Melbourne, Feb 1 (PTI) Sania Mirza today became the first Indian woman to capture a Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open mixed doubles trophy with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi, whose bulging Grand Slam kitty grew fat to 11 crowns.The Indian wild card pair crushed Andy Ram and Nathalie Dechy 6-3 6-1 in just 55 minutes here.
This victory came a day after India had found a new singles Open champion in Yuki Bhambri, who lifted the junior title, thus capping the country's campaign at the first Grand Slam of the year on a high note.
It was Sania and Bhupathi's first Grand Slam title together. They had ended runners-up here last year.
Sania, who already has many firsts to her credit as far as women's tennis in the country is concerned, has made a fantastic start to the season after coming through the wrist injury, which marred her 2008 campaign.
The win also gave Bhupathi his seventh title in mixed doubles overall and second at the Australian Open, following his 2006 triumph with Martina Hingis.
They also got richer by 1,34,460 Australian dollars.
Basking in her new-found Australian Open glory, Sania said she now expects Indian tennis to reach the next level after the slew of excellent shows in the first Grand Slam of the Year.
"It is (a very good tournament for Indian tennis.) I mean, even in the juniors, we had a Grand Slam champion as well. So, yes, it's been a great two weeks," a beaming Sania said. PTI
Amanpreet SinghNew Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) The feeling of creating history has started to sink in and Sania Mirza, who today became the first Indian woman Grand Slam winner, says the way the new season has started, Indian tennis is definitely in for some good time ahead.
The 22-year-old Hyderabadi ace said she is not only "enjoying" the moment of but also hoping that this feat of her, together with Mahesh Bhupathi, will further provide fillip to the game in the country.
"It took a few minutes to believe (that I have won my first Grand Slam title). It's great to be a Grand Slam winner. I am at the airport and enjoying the moment. It's a dream come true," Sania told PTI from Melbourne as she prepared to flying home back.
Sania reckoned the last few weeks have been amazing for Indian tennis and it all started with the rise of Somdev Devavrman who reached final of Chennai Open.
"Of course it was a great start with Somdev, then Yuki won yesterday and we won today. It's great to beginning to the year and I hope Indian tennis gets more fillip from these feats," she said.
Sania looked much more impressive this year and she combined excellently with Bhupathi throughout the tournament. Asked if that was the reason behind their success, the tennis ace said, "We have always complemented each other's game. Last year also we had reached the finals and it's not a joke to reach that level.
"But yes, my game has improved and I am much better physically and it always helps," she said. PTI
India shining at Oz Open, Sania-Bhupathi wins mixed doubles
Melbourne, Feb 1 (PTI) Sania Mirza today became the first Indian woman to capture a Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open mixed doubles trophy with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi, whose bulging Grand Slam kitty grew fat to 11 crowns.The Indian wild card pair crushed Andy Ram and Nathalie Dechy 6-3 6-1 in just 55 minutes here.
This victory came a day after India had found a new singles Open champion in Yuki Bhambri, who lifted the junior title, thus capping the country's campaign at the first Grand Slam of the year on a high note.
It was Sania and Bhupathi's first Grand Slam title together. They had ended runners-up here last year.
Sania, who already has many firsts to her credit as far as women's tennis in the country is concerned, has made a fantastic start to the season after coming through the wrist injury, which marred her 2008 campaign.
The win also gave Bhupathi his seventh title in mixed doubles overall and second at the Australian Open, following his 2006 triumph with Martina Hingis.
They also got richer by 1,34,460 Australian dollars.
Basking in her new-found Australian Open glory, Sania said she now expects Indian tennis to reach the next level after the slew of excellent shows in the first Grand Slam of the Year.
"It is (a very good tournament for Indian tennis.) I mean, even in the juniors, we had a Grand Slam champion as well. So, yes, it's been a great two weeks," a beaming Sania said. PTI
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