Sania Mirza, an Indian tennis player, said goodbye to the sport earlier this month and broke down in tears while making a speech to mark the end of her Grand Slam career.
The 38-year-old athlete is in Australia for the final Australian Open match of her career. She competed in her first Grand Slam event 18 years ago.
Speaking during her tear-jerking farewell speech, Sania couldn’t control her emotions and said: “I just want to start with that if I cry, these are happy tears and not sad tears so that’s just a disclaimer.”
Congratulations and good luck to you guys! She stated as she opened her speech, “This is your moment and I really don’t want to take it away, and I really really you know from the bottom of my heart you guys performed wonderfully you deserved to win today.”
Sania then declared that she will still participate in a few tournaments. The tennis pro provided insight into her career, stating that Melbourne was the starting point of her professional career. It all began in Melbourne in 2005 when, at the shockingly young age of 18, she faced up against Serena Williams in the third round of this tournament.
“I’ve had the privilege to come back here again and again and win some tournaments here and play some great finals amongst you all and this 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. Thank you so much for making me feel at home here,” she expressed.
Sania revealed that Rohan was her first-ever mixed doubles partner when she was 14 and won the nationals when speaking about her teammate.
“It was a long time ago, but it wasn’t the same venue as this one. It had been 22 years, and I could not have imagined a better companion. He is one of my closest friends and the person I would most like to play in the final with. Although we failed to cross the finish line, there is no better spot for me and this guy to end our Grand Slam careers. So much for playing, Rohan “She spoke.
Sania claimed that her colleagues and family were by her side. It is very special for me to have my four-year-old here, as well as my parents, Rohan’s wife, Scotty, everyone, my trainers, and my family from Australia, who made me feel at home away from home. I never believed that I would be able to play in front of my child in a Grand Slam final.
The celebrity gave thanks to all for their support. “Thank you so much for your support this week and truly throughout my entire life. It’s been truly, truly incredible, and without each and every one of you, I couldn’t have accomplished anything “Sania stated.
Concluding her speech, she said: “Thank you very much for everything, and thank you, Australia for making me feel at home.”