Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza announced on Friday (January 6) that she will retire from professional tennis at Dubai Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 event. The event is scheduled to start on February 19.&nbsp;Former doubles No.1 Mirza stated that initially, she thought of retiring at the end of last season. But because of an elbow injury, she was ruled out of the US Open.&nbsp;

Sania told wtatennis.com, "I was going to stop right after the WTA Finals, because we were going to make the WTA Finals, but I tore my tendon in my elbow right before the US Open so I had to pull out of everything."&nbsp;

She added, "And honestly, the person that I am, I like to do things on my own terms. So I don't want to be forced out by injury. So I've been training. The plan is to try and retire in Dubai during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships."&nbsp;

"I'm 36, and honestly my body is beat, that is the main reason for it. And I really don't have the capacity in my mind to emotionally push that much anymore. I turned pro in 2003. Priorities change, and now my priority is not to push my body to the limit every single day," Sania said in a recent interview with "Curly Tales Middle East". &nbsp;

Sania started playing professional tennis in 2003. The Indian tennis star won the 2003 Wimbledon Championships girls' doubles title, partnering with Alisa Kleybanova.&nbsp;

Sania said she will hang up her boots at the Dubai meet but before that, the six-time Grand Slam winner in doubles will play her final Major at the Australian Open later this month.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza announced on Friday (January 6) that she will retire from professional tennis at Dubai Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 event. The event is scheduled to start on February 19.

Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza announced on Friday (January 6) that she will retire from professional tennis at Dubai Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 event. The event is scheduled to start on February 19. Former doubles No.1 Mirza stated that initially, she thought of retiring at the end of last season. But because of an elbow injury, she was ruled out of the US Open. Sania told wtatennis.com, "I was going to stop right after the WTA Finals, because we were going to make the WTA Finals, but I tore my tendon in my elbow right before the US Open so I had to pull out of everything." She added, "And honestly, the person that I am, I like to do things on my own terms. So I don't want to be forced out by injury. So I've been training. The plan is to try and retire in Dubai during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships." "I'm 36, and honestly my body is beat, that is the main reason for it. And I really don't have the capacity in my mind to emotionally push that much anymore. I turned pro in 2003. Priorities change, and now my priority is not to push my body to the limit every single day," Sania said in a recent interview with "Curly Tales Middle East". Sania started playing professional tennis in 2003. The Indian tennis star won the 2003 Wimbledon Championships girls' doubles title, partnering with Alisa Kleybanova. Sania said she will hang up her boots at the Dubai meet but before that, the six-time Grand Slam winner in doubles will play her final Major at the Australian Open later this month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza to retire at next month's Dubai Tennis Championships

Not often does one get to make a living out of his, or her, passion. Moreover, not many manage to don, and perform, various roles while following their passion at a professional level.

Not often does one get to make a living out of his, or her, passion. Moreover, not many manage to don, and perform, various roles while following their passion at a professional level. Coach Sanjay Singh has done it all. From starting as a player to turning into a physio and honing his skills as an international coach, Mr. Singh has ticked several boxes while staying relevant in the field of tennis for years. Above all, his childlike passion remains infectious. Such has been his success story that Mr. Singh has taken Indian tennis into uncharted territory. After all, how often do we see Indian coaches being active in WTA or ATP tours? Also, have we often heard about Indian coaches for elite non-Indian tennis players? The answer to both the queries would have been in the negative if not for Sanjay Singh. However, Mr. Singh is one such personality who has single-handedly kept Indian tennis' flag high with his presence as a coach of Brazilian youngster Luisa Stefani and American star Hayley Carter. ALSO READ | Peng Shuai row: China hits back at WTA for 'politicising sport' after it suspends all tournaments in country In an exclusive interaction with WION news' Aditya Sahay, Sanjay Singh dwelled upon many aspects of his career, the several role transformations, satisfying journey with Luisa and Carter so far, the camaraderie with Indian tennis great Leander Paes and the state of affairs with regard to tennis in the cricket-crazy country. EXCERPTS: Like mentioned, not often do we see Indian coaches for foreign players. You have changed it all in many ways. How did it all happen? (Laughs) Well, I was a player initially. I was playing in Orissa Open. It so happened that I was playing in one court and the other player had a cramp. Because I used to work as the helper, I was asked to chip in and help. I assisted him and came back to play my match. At that time, I thought we don't have focus on working on players' fitness in India. So, I thought to take this up. That's where I started as a physiotherapist. During Davis Cup tie, Ramesh Krishnan's trainer didn't turn up, hence, they called me and I worked with him. When his trainer came back, Leander asked me to join him. There is no end to learning. You learn from small kids also. In India, they think they know everything. They don't respect others. Among Indian players, only few are travelling abroad for training and all. You need to have awareness and the learning ability within you. Always!. In one of your interviews, you rightly pointed out how India is a country where people like to stay in their own preconceived views or opinions. Many labelled you as 'one who gives massages to Leander Paes'. Was it a conscious effort to revamp your image or you never paid heed to all such claims? Before I started off, I was a tennis player. Since there was no body looking after the players' body, their demands off the court and their suffering, I started working on this aspect. With Leander, I used to work with him. But since my knowledge of tennis was always there, he kept me involved asking 'Dadda (brother), what to do, did I mess it up?' I never had to tell people what I was doing with Leander. We both knew where we were heading and that's what mattered. End of the day 'let the racket talk'. It (criticism) never bothered me as it was all behind my back. Hence, many talented players' careers are now over. They stop working on themselves after a bit of initial success. It is sad. Many didn't want to learn that often. Leander always tries to grasp more in every scenario. Unlike in India, I get much more respect in Florida. For our Prime Minister, they still call him as 'the chaiwala (tea-seller)' but one doesn't see, or acknowledge, his journey and development. We need to respect each other and see one's growth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjay singh (@coachsanjaysingh) × Coming to Luisa Stefani and Hayley Carter! Both are different individuals and, hence, have different styles, strengths and weaknesses. While Stefani is the first Brazilian woman to feature in the WTA's Top 10 and occupies the ninth rank in doubles, American star Carter has also come a long way to sit at the 25th spot in doubles rankings. How did your association begin with the duo? What defines them of both? Can you highlight few areas where they have shown vast improvement under your watchful eyes? When I used to travel with Leander, my base was in Florida. During my off-season, I used to train at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy. Back then, I was asked if I can train this young girl called Luisa Stefani. I saw her and was floored by her talent and skills. I was like 'wow, this girl has fire, she is fast and comes to the net'. Since she wanted to be pro, she had to change her visa. She couldn't get the visa initially and, thus, went back. In 2018, she returned. Then we started playing and practicing. There was one month of intense training. Her parents then asked me to travel with her. So I started in April 2019. In May, she won the Italy Championship in England. Thus, she had a chance to enter the Wimbledon but she was alternate, hence, couldn't get in. The same fate followed in the US Open. On the other hand, Hayley was looking for a partner. Luisa asked me and I told her play with Hayley. They won the Uzbekistan Championship (i.e. Tashkent Open) in 2019 and then they lost the third round in Australian Open 2020. Luisa has a big serve whereas Hayley attacked the net more often. Only drawback was the overhead shot. That was the area we were lagging behind. But we started combining well and then after that Hayley got hurt in Wimbledon this year. Then we got Gabriela Dabrowski with Luisa. We reached the final of Cincinnati 2021 and semi-final of US Open. During the pandemic, we weren't training. We used to be in the bubble. We were getting tested. RT-PCR tests and being confined inside was the new normal. Mentally it was very tough and, hence, many players are now burning out. The only time they opened up little bit was during the Cincinnati (Open). Life was tough. We couldn't go out. One had to resort to Uber Eats. We used to have a table downstairs in the lobby where the food was kept by the Uber guy and then we had to take it. It was all about dealing with the bio bubble life and surviving (sighs). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjay singh (@coachsanjaysingh) × The world of sports knows a lot about Leander Paes. He remains the face of Indian tennis. Share your equation with him. How did it start and where is it at present? How has he helped in your transformation from being a physio to coach? See, it was during the Davis Cup tie in New Delhi when I met him. I used to work in the hotel as a helper supervisor. In 1996, it was tough for me to manage work and my tennis stuff. So I left my job and came on board with Paes. He wanted me to learn everything because he never trusted anyone else. Let me tell you, I used to travel with a stringing machine as he was playing so much. Everyday 7-8 rackets were used. But, Leander has always encouraged me. He used to ask me to interact with people, observe others and share inputs. He always believed in me. I used to be his brother, buddy and everything. He says he wants to retire in Wimbledon 2022. Let's see. He tells me 'Dadda, you will get me ready for Wimbledon'. We both call each other 'Dadda'. That sums up the whole equation, doesn't it? (smiles). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjay singh (@coachsanjaysingh) × ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Dark clouds of struggle have a 'silver' lining for Mirabai Chanu's coach Vijay Sharma Lastly, thoughts on tennis in India. From Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Sania Mirza to Sumit Nagal, the sport has come a long way in the country but there obviously remains huge scope for improvement and participation among the youth. Your views regarding the status of the game in the country at present? In India, they should have a team who knows about the game firstly. Mr Sundar Iyer (Secretary of the Maharashtra Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) and Manager of Indian Davis Cup Team) is doing great in getting tournaments in India. He's doing very well. See, if youngsters play more tournaments, sponsor them. Work for the players. Give them their due by supplying resources and everything that matters to build their careers. Even a peon is getting an India jacket. Give it to people who need it more. They need to sponsor juniors so that they can play tournaments outside India. It helps in building their games at a young level. For the unversed, in Brazil there are 7-8 juniors playing on tours. How many in India? Hardly! For players, they should learn from Leander. If they do good in one game, they get complacent. Their collars go up after one good win. They don't know next week is a new week. Nowadays, we tend to go for shortcuts. Leander was never like this. Now I'm in states, when I see things there, players never have to worry about tennis court. Here, staff ask for INR 100 as court fees. Wherever you play, they will be charging you. How can a youngster manage all this, who is just trying to come up the ranks? Unless and until they change the entire system, nothing will happen. Hence, many players move abroad to train and manage themselves. Here for everything, they will charge and still not provide all facilities. They've to change a lot. We have to be player-friendly and not administration-friendly. India is such a great country. We have everything. But we face so many problems unnecessarily. Base has to change. Believe me, we have such great potential and that we can do wonders. But youngsters don't get support. In abroad, players get full support. Outside India, the association is taking care of players and coaches. In Brazil, association are paying for trainers who are travelling with players. Unimaginable. It cannot even be expected in India. Even such thinking is missing in the country. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjay singh (@coachsanjaysingh) × Luisa won the first medal for Brazil (bronze in women's doubles in Tokyo 2020). Their government called and felicitated me. As a foreign coach, they are calling and honouring me. This doesn't happen in India. The coach can give you the idea, but who will bring you to the court -- a trainer. If you have a Ferrari but the engine doesn't work properly, it is as good as a showpiece. Hence, a lot needs to change. Be more player-friendly, focus on coaches and trainers, give them their due and build youngsters' careers from the junior level itself.

EXCLUSIVE | Who is Sanjay Singh? A close ally of Leander Paes & guiding light of Luisa Stefani-Hayley Carter

The Indian tennis team's proposed trip to Islamabad to play the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 tie in September has run into rough weather.

Indian tennis players jittery over Pakistan tour

The Indian tennis team's proposed trip to Islamabad to play the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 tie in September has run into rough weather. WION has exclusive details that non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi has expressed his reservations in a strongly worded letter to the All India Tennis Association (AITA).

In his letter, Bhupathi has asked AITA to provide the players and coaching staff details of the security arrangements being made for the tie.

When contacted, Bhupathi declined to comment on the contents of the letter.

But sources have revealed that the 12-time grand slam winner has informed AITA that a few players are unhappy about touring Pakistan. Bhupathi has made it clear that if required, the players would put the national interest ahead of their reservations and play the Davis Cup tie. But he has asked AITA to detail the security arrangements that have been put in place for the Indian team.

This comes days after AITA secretary general Hironmoy Chatterjee made a massive announcement on Saturday. "Our team will be going to Pakistan for Davis Cup. We have got the invitation letters, now we will apply for visa. Team selection has not been done yet, it will start on August 5. Our team will go around September 10," Hironmoy Chatterjee said.

Sources said that AITA wrote to Union Sports Ministry for clearance on May 21, but the ministry washed its hands off the matter saying its permission was not required.

When it comes to touring Pakistan, the clearance of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is a must, said sources, adding that the MEA has not received any such request from AITA.

The issue of players' security is vital, and that is precisely the reason why all tours of Pakistan have to be cleared by security agencies.

The Indian cricket board sent a high-level delegation to Pakistan comprising security experts ahead of tours in 2004 and 2006. The Pakistan Cricket Board similarly sent a delegation to India ahead of tours in 2005, 2007 and 2012.

The Sri Lankan cricket team was promised presidential-level security ahead of a one-off T20 international in 2017. Similar security measures were put in place when Pakistan hosted a three-match T20 series against a World 11.

Leading teams in world cricket have stayed away from Pakistan ever since the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 2009.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation has proposed that the Davis Cup tie should be held at the National Sports Complex in Islamabad. Pakistan's last two ties against Uzbekistan and South Korea were played at the same stadium in 2018.

WION sought details of the proposed security arrangements from the Pakistan Tennis Federation but they too clammed up.

Bhupathi's letter has shaken up the tennis association and they now realise that all bases have not been covered. Relying on the security assessment of the international tennis federation alone may not convince the Indian government.

(Anas Mallick reported from Islamabad)

The Indian tennis team's proposed trip to Islamabad to play the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 tie in September has run into rough weather. WION has exclusive details that non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi has expressed his reservations in a strongly worded letter to the All India Tennis Association (AITA).

The Indian tennis team's proposed trip to Islamabad to play the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 tie in September has run into rough weather. WION has exclusive details that non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi has expressed his reservations in a strongly worded letter to the All India Tennis Association (AITA). In his letter, Bhupathi has asked AITA to provide the players and coaching staff details of the security arrangements being made for the tie. When contacted, Bhupathi declined to comment on the contents of the letter. But sources have revealed that the 12-time grand slam winner has informed AITA that a few players are unhappy about touring Pakistan. Bhupathi has made it clear that if required, the players would put the national interest ahead of their reservations and play the Davis Cup tie. But he has asked AITA to detail the security arrangements that have been put in place for the Indian team. This comes days after AITA secretary general Hironmoy Chatterjee made a massive announcement on Saturday. "Our team will be going to Pakistan for Davis Cup. We have got the invitation letters, now we will apply for visa. Team selection has not been done yet, it will start on August 5. Our team will go around September 10," Hironmoy Chatterjee said. Sources said that AITA wrote to Union Sports Ministry for clearance on May 21, but the ministry washed its hands off the matter saying its permission was not required. When it comes to touring Pakistan, the clearance of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is a must, said sources, adding that the MEA has not received any such request from AITA. The issue of players' security is vital, and that is precisely the reason why all tours of Pakistan have to be cleared by security agencies. The Indian cricket board sent a high-level delegation to Pakistan comprising security experts ahead of tours in 2004 and 2006. The Pakistan Cricket Board similarly sent a delegation to India ahead of tours in 2005, 2007 and 2012. The Sri Lankan cricket team was promised presidential-level security ahead of a one-off T20 international in 2017. Similar security measures were put in place when Pakistan hosted a three-match T20 series against a World 11. Leading teams in world cricket have stayed away from Pakistan ever since the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 2009. The Pakistan Tennis Federation has proposed that the Davis Cup tie should be held at the National Sports Complex in Islamabad. Pakistan's last two ties against Uzbekistan and South Korea were played at the same stadium in 2018. WION sought details of the proposed security arrangements from the Pakistan Tennis Federation but they too clammed up. Bhupathi's letter has shaken up the tennis association and they now realise that all bases have not been covered. Relying on the security assessment of the international tennis federation alone may not convince the Indian government. (Anas Mallick reported from Islamabad)

Indian tennis players jittery over Pakistan tour, captain Mahesh Bhupathi asks for details of security arrangement

India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran Monday said he "struggled a bit with the sun" and that it "cost" him a lot of games at the Australian Open, ending his maiden Grand Slam appearance in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-prajnesh-lose-to-americas-tiafoe-on-grand-slam-debut-ends-indias-singles-challenge-190122">first-round exit</a>.&nbsp;

Prajnesh, currently the country's number one singles player, lost to American Frances Tiafoe in straight sets 7-6, (9-7), 6-3, 6-3 at Melbourne Park on Monday.

"It was a good experience. I played a good match overall, had chances in all sets. I struggled a bit with the sun, (it's) different in Australia for some reason.

Found it hard to adjust the serve from one side of the court," Prajnesh told PTI.

The World No.39 beat the Indian qualifier in a match that lasted an hour and 52 minutes.

He said that next time he will find a way to adjust.&nbsp;

"Usually it's tough for the right-handers earlier in the day. Noon to 2 maybe for the lefty's. He (Tiafoe) had some issues in the first set with that. As the match went longer.

"That's what I noticed. It got harder for me."

Prajnesh fought hard in the first set which went into the tie-breaker after both players held their serve till the 12th game.

In the tie-breaker, Tiafoe got a mini-break and then closed the set at 9-7 in the tie-breaker.

Once he won the first set, the American completely dominated the 106th ranked Indian in the second and third set.

India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran Monday said he "struggled a bit with the sun" and that it "cost" him a lot of games at the Australian Open, ending his maiden Grand Slam appearance in a first-round exit.

India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran Monday said he "struggled a bit with the sun" and that it "cost" him a lot of games at the Australian Open, ending his maiden Grand Slam appearance in a first-round exit. Prajnesh, currently the country's number one singles player, lost to American Frances Tiafoe in straight sets 7-6, (9-7), 6-3, 6-3 at Melbourne Park on Monday. "It was a good experience. I played a good match overall, had chances in all sets. I struggled a bit with the sun, (it's) different in Australia for some reason. Found it hard to adjust the serve from one side of the court," Prajnesh told PTI. The World No.39 beat the Indian qualifier in a match that lasted an hour and 52 minutes. He said that next time he will find a way to adjust. "Usually it's tough for the right-handers earlier in the day. Noon to 2 maybe for the lefty's. He (Tiafoe) had some issues in the first set with that. As the match went longer. "That's what I noticed. It got harder for me." Prajnesh fought hard in the first set which went into the tie-breaker after both players held their serve till the 12th game. In the tie-breaker, Tiafoe got a mini-break and then closed the set at 9-7 in the tie-breaker. Once he won the first set, the American completely dominated the 106th ranked Indian in the second and third set.

Struggled a bit with sun and it cost me: Prajnesh after Aus Open exit

Veteran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=Leander+Paes">Leander Paes</a> is one win away from winning his second title of the season on the Challenger circuit, reaching the final of the Santo Domingo Open with partner Miguel Angel Reyyes-Varela.&nbsp;

The second-seeded Indo-Mexican pair prevailed 6-4, 7-6(3) over Argentine combine of Tomas Lipovsek Puches and Juan Ignacio Londero in one hour and 23 minutes.&nbsp;

Paes and Angel dropped their serve twice but broke their rivals thrice to take the opening set. In the second set too, the two pairs broke each other twice before Paes and Angel won the tie-breaker to seal a spot in the summit clash.&nbsp;

It will be the second consecutive final for Paes and Angel, who also reached the final at Montrrey Challenger last week, ending runners-up to Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Marcelo Arevalo.&nbsp;

Before this tournament, Paes ended runner-up at Montrrey, Chicago, Dallas on the ATP Challenger circuit and won the Newport event.&nbsp;

Apart from these, Paes also reached the final at Winston-Salem Open and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on the ATP World Tour, ending runner-up with Jamie Cerretani in both the tournaments.

Veteran Leander Paes is one win away from winning his second title of the season on the Challenger circuit, reaching the final of the Santo Domingo Open with partner Miguel Angel Reyyes-Varela.

Veteran Leander Paes is one win away from winning his second title of the season on the Challenger circuit, reaching the final of the Santo Domingo Open with partner Miguel Angel Reyyes-Varela. The second-seeded Indo-Mexican pair prevailed 6-4, 7-6(3) over Argentine combine of Tomas Lipovsek Puches and Juan Ignacio Londero in one hour and 23 minutes. Paes and Angel dropped their serve twice but broke their rivals thrice to take the opening set. In the second set too, the two pairs broke each other twice before Paes and Angel won the tie-breaker to seal a spot in the summit clash. It will be the second consecutive final for Paes and Angel, who also reached the final at Montrrey Challenger last week, ending runners-up to Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Marcelo Arevalo. Before this tournament, Paes ended runner-up at Montrrey, Chicago, Dallas on the ATP Challenger circuit and won the Newport event. Apart from these, Paes also reached the final at Winston-Salem Open and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on the ATP World Tour, ending runner-up with Jamie Cerretani in both the tournaments.

Leander Paes earns chance to win 2nd title of season, reaches final in Santo Domingo Open

indian-tennis

Indian Tennis, News on Indian Tennis, stories on Indian Tennis, articles on Indian Tennis, Indian Tennis stories at Wion, Indian Tennis news, Indian Tennis latest news