Indian tennis player Sania Mirza has announced that 2022 will be her final season on the WTA tour. After the first round of women’s doubles at Australian Open, she said:
I’ve decided that this will be my last season. I’m taking it week by week. Not sure if I can last the season, but I want to.
#SaniaMirza, the most successful woman in Indian tennis history, decides that she is bidding adieu to sports at the end of 2022.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 19, 2022
35-year-old had already bowed out of singles competitions in 2013. @MirzaSania has 6 Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles & mixed doubles to her name. pic.twitter.com/OHFoXcFn83
She cited physical, personal and several other reasons for her retirement.
There’s a bunch reasons for it. It’s not as simple as ‘okay I’m not going to play’. I do feel my recovery is taking longer, I do feel, considering my son is three years old, I’m putting him at risk by travelling so much with him, that’s something I have to take into account. My body is wearing down. My knee was really hurting today and I’m not saying that’s the reason we lost but I do think that it is taking time to recover as I’m getting older.
The 35-year-old Indian tennis player is a former world No. 1 in doubles and is currently ranked 68th in the world. Sania Mirza also holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam.
Soon after the news of her retirement plan broke, netizens shared heartfelt best wishes for the Indian superstar.
Thank you Sania for bringing cheers in our lives through your achievements.
— I am the Walrus (@DMTForBrain) January 19, 2022
As an illustrious daughter of our nation you have always brought pride for us and been a role model for all of us.
All the best for your future. Stay safe.
Thank you Sania. You made the nation proud. #SaniaMirza #SaniaMirzaRetirement https://t.co/Goc9e00bsf
— विचित्र (@BahDastoor) January 19, 2022
broooo there was a time she was the only Indian sportsperson I knew the name of https://t.co/m3HrYsmwTu
— shi⁷ (@nartsuke) January 19, 2022
Thank you Sania. Wish you the best. The nation will always remember you 🙂 https://t.co/0muy9uhxOs
— BOMBER-MUFC (@nemoRable) January 19, 2022
You have inspired so many to watch,play this sport #Legend#SaniaMirza https://t.co/I5c4vNYFSq
— BhruGuvasi (@BhruGuvasi) January 19, 2022
What a career ♥️ she got ! https://t.co/faf67x6sAr
— Jyoti Ranjan Rout (@JyotiRR10) January 19, 2022
Inspiration for Indian women in sports @MirzaSania https://t.co/SeUk4MMWnj
— shaista (@knowShaista) January 19, 2022
Sania Mirza has announced her retirement from Tennis.
— KULDEEP TANWAR (@KULDEEPTANWAR4) January 19, 2022
She made country proud at numerous occasions with her glorifying performances at world level. Best of luck for her future.
Inspirational 😍
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) January 19, 2022
From title wins at Grand Slams 🏆 to being a four-time Olympian, Sania Mirza has a lot of feathers in her crown.#SaniaMirza | @MirzaSania
India’s first women’s tennis superstar, #SaniaMirza on Wednesday announced her retirement plans, confirming that the 2022 season will be her last. pic.twitter.com/14Q8EwbjpN
— dinesh akula (@dineshakula) January 19, 2022
Wishing her best of luck for the future.
