Is Sania Mirza risking her ankle?

HYDERABAD: Strapping and bandages are as much a part of the fabric of women's tennis as tank-tops, nose rings and racquets. Pain is shut out and niggling injuries ignored by many top ranked players in their quest to garner points and improve rankings on the WTA Tour. Brushing aside an injury and playing can be counterproductive for a player's career though and many have learnt the hard way. The best case in point is the Swiss-Miss, Martina Hingis. How much risk can a player take? Sania Mirza reached her first WTA final at the Hyderabad Open, but with both her ankles hurt and a thigh that is suspect. The 18-year-old has had an unbelievable run up to the summit clash. But all that is coming at the cost of playing with painkillers. Is it worthwhile? Former Davis Cupper SP Mishra puts things in perspective. "It is very difficult to stop when you are on a roll. Sania has had a fantastic run in the tournament. With the crowd behind her she has defied all odds to make it to the final.

"I don't know the exact extent of her injury. But she needs to get proper treatment and rest before things get out of hand," he said.


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