Sania Mirza Targeting Doubles at the Olympics

Written by: Staff on 4th February 2012

Sania Mirza Targeting Doubles at the Olympics

Sania Mirza of India serves to Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during their second round match for the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 26 May 2011. EPA/CHRISTOPHE KARABA |

Sania Mirza has not really built upon the title she earned in her home city of Hyderabad in 2005, a win that made her a megastar in her native India but which remains her only WTA singles crown. Several injuries set her back but, although she has struggled in singles, she has excelled on the doubles court and is a member of the world’s top 10. So, that is where she is placing her priority as she strives to earn a place at the London Olympics.

“Almost a decade of professional tennis has taken its toll on my body,” she said. “Three surgeries in the last four years haven’t helped either. My body may not be able to cope with the load of playing both singles and doubles in the future. As this is the Olympic year, where qualifying for London is a top priority, I may need to focus on keeping my doubles ranking in the top 10 on 11th June, which is the cut-off date for qualification.”

As her regular partner is Russia’s Elena Vesnina she has no chance of playing in the women’s doubles, so she is setting her sights on the mixed event where could partner Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes or Rohan Bopanna.

“I believe we have a shot for a medal in the mixed doubles,” she said. “Of course, I will also continue to play singles as and when I feel confident of my physical condition, but doubles will be my priority for now.