Sania accepts French Open invite

India's tennis ace Sania Mirza has received an invitation for the French Open next month and will prepare for the Grand Slam event under well-known coach Bob Brett, her father says.

"Sania has already received an invite to play in this year's French Open singles, which we have accepted," Imran Mirza said.

Mirza further asserted that Sania's doctor, BN Reddy, had insisted on about 10-12 days of rest to her ankle before she could start training again.

Not in action
he 18-year-old Hyderabadi sensation has not played competitive tennis after her first round exit of the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami, Florida, last month.

"The doctor has advised 10-12 days' rest, after which he will look at her ankle again. Depending on what he says, Sania can begin her training at the start of next month," Mirza said.

To join Bob Brett Academy

If all goes according to plan, Mirza felt she should be hitting balls on court for a few days before she leave for San Remo in Italy to train at the Bob Brett Academy.

"Sania has not visited Bob's academy for the past eight-nine months and that is a long period. We will have to match their schedules and hope that he would be able to accommodate her next month," Mirza said.

Sania had first visited the Australian's academy late in 2003 on the recommendation of India's doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi, whose sports management group — Globosport — manages her career.

"She will have to be perfectly fit before she can train with Bob as the training will be extremely intense. So she is hoping that she will receive the all clear from her doctor soon," he said.