ZCZC
BSP-13
TENNIS-AUS-WTA-HOBART-MIRZA
India’s Mirza enjoys winning return after having baby
HOBART, Australia, Jan 14, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – India’s former doubles world
number one Sania Mirza made a winning return to tennis Tuesday at the Hobart
International after more than two years on maternity leave.
The 33-year-old last played at the China Open in October 2017 before
injuries and then the birth of son Izhaan in October 2018 meant an extended
spell on the sidelines.
Mirza, who is married to the former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik,
partnered Ukraine’s Nadiia Kichenok to a 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 10-3 victory over
Georgia’s Oksana Kalashnikova and Japan’s Miyu Kato in the doubles.
“Today was one of the most special days of my life to have my parents and
my little baby boy with me in my first match after so long… and we WON our
first round,” Mirza tweeted after her win.
“Feel very grateful for the love I am receiving.. BELIEF!! Takes you
places YES my baby boy, we did it.”
Mirza, regarded as her country’s greatest women’s tennis player, became
the first Indian to win a WTA singles title in 2005.
She reached the fourth round of the US Open in the same year, and by 2007
was among the women’s top 30.
But a wrist injury caused her to concentrate on doubles, forging a
partnership with Swiss great Martina Hingis which produced three Grand Slam
titles.
She is due to partner American Rajeev Ram in the mixed doubles at the
Australian Open next week.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1441 hrs