I couldn’t think of a better end to my career: Emotional Sania Mirza after losing the mixed doubles final | Australian Open

Xtra Time Web Desk: It was heartbreak for Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza as she lost the mixed doubles final of the Australian Open 2023 partnering compatriot Rohan Bopanna. The Indian pair lost 6-7(2-7), 2-6 against Brazilian pair Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday.

Sania will be always be regarded as the greatest ever Indian women tennis player having won six Grand Slam doubles championships — three in mixed, including the 2009 Australian Open. The 36-year-old will retire next month after a tournament in Dubai.

“I’m still gonna play a couple more tournaments but my journey of my professional career started in Melbourne. It started in Melbourne in 2005 when I played Serena Williams in the third round here as an 18-year-old”, said an emotional Sania at the post-match presentation ceremony.

She added, “I’ve had the privilege to come back here again and again and win some tournaments here and play some great final amongst you all, and it’s Rod Laver Arena has really been special in my life. And I couldn’t think of a better arena to finish my career at in a Grand Slam. So thank you so much for making me feel at home here.”