Sania, Bhupathi match @50

Bangalore, July 11: Ace doubles player Mahesh Bhupathi said he may consider pairing up with Sania Mirza in mixed doubles at Grand Slams after the Hyderabad tennis sensation breaks into the top 50 in singles world rankings.

"Sania is improving every month. So, she will get a ranking up to a level...We can compete at the highest level (in mixed doubles)," Bhupathi told reporters here.

Bhupathi along with Mary Pierce of France won the Wimbledon mixed doubles earlier this month while Sania, currently ranked 70 in the world, lost to the US Open Champion and world number six Svetlana Kuznetsova after a spirited fight in the singles second round.

But both Bhupathi and Sania stressed that at this stage of her career, she needed to focus on singles. "It (mixed doubles) is not a priority for Sania (now). Right now, it (mixed doubles) comes only four times a year. She says she wants to break into the top 50. If and when that happens, it will (Bhupathi pairing up with Sania)...The whole country will be excited about it. Right now, she needs to focus on singles," he said.

"It will be an honour (to pair with Bhupathi in mixed doubles)," added Sania. "I am playing singles and doubles; mixed doubles happen four times a year. We will see; when it happens, it happens".

Sania said she would take part in a few tournaments in the run up to the US Open. She is also looking for a touring coach and she will be pursuing it in the US.