Sania Mirza pens emotional note ahead of last Australian Open appearance

The Indian tennis ace will bid adieu after Dubai Open in February.

Sania Mirza has officially confirmed her decision to retire from professional tennis after the Dubai Open in February. In an social media post on Friday, Mirza penned a heartfelt note ahead of her last Australian Open appearance. "Life must move on and I don't think this is the end but, in fact, a beginning of many different memories to be created, dreams to be achieved and new goals to be set," Mirza said in the emotional letter on social media.

Mirza also explained that she needed to be with her son Izhaan Mirza Malik and plans to give him "more of my time than I have been able to give so far."

A former World No. 1 in women's doubles, Mirza had a troublesome 2022 due to injuries. The 36-year-old had originally planned to retire towards the end of last year. However, an elbow injury ruled her out completely in August.

“Thirty (yes, 30!) years ago a 6-year-old girl from Nasr School in Hyderabad, walked on to a tennis court at Nizam Club with her young mom and fought the coach to let her learn how to play tennis as he thought that she was too little. The fight for our dreams began at 6!" Sania Mirza said in her post.

She continued "With a lot of hope despite all the odds stacked against us, we dared to dream of playing in a Grand Slam someday and of representing our country with honour at the highest level."

“My Grand Slam journey started with the Australian Open back in 2005. So, it goes without saying that this would be the most perfect Grand Slam to end my career with.

"As I get ready to play my last Australian Open 18 years after I played my first, and then the Dubai Open in Feb, have so many emotions flashing through me with pride and gratitude, perhaps, being the foremost. I take pride in everything have been able to achieve over the last 20 years of my professional career and I am so grateful for the memories that I have been able to create.

"The greatest memory that I will carry with me for a lifetime is that of the pride and happiness that I saw on the faces of my fellow countrymen and supporters each time I achieved victory and reached milestones in my long career.”

Looking back on her career, Sania Mirza has realized her dream and become the first Indian woman to reach the world's number one ranking.

She also thanked her parents, sister, coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, fans, supporters, partners, and the entire team. The legendary tennis player is grateful for his contribution and the laughs, tears, pain, and joy they have all shared.

Sania Mirza will partner Rohan Bopanna in mixed doubles at the Australian Open, which begins on January 16. She will also play in the women's doubles alongside Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina.