Sania confident of playing French Open

India's women's tennis star Sania Mirza is all set to play the French Open to be held at Rolland Garros in Paris. Sania will be leaving tonight for Milano, Italy for advanced training at the Bob Brett Academy, to overcome her ankle pain and gain match fitness. She received a cheque of Rs 15 lakh out of the promised Rs 20 lakh from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy for her advanced training. Mr Reddy hoped that she would bring many a laurels for the state and the country. The Chief Minister also gave Rs 10 lakh to Pullela Gopichand, the former All England Badminton champion for providing higher level training for the badminton players in the state with the help of a foreign coach. Speaking to media persons today, Sania said, "On the advice of orthopaedic specialist K J Reddy of Apollo Hospitals and Indian cricket team physio John Gloster, I have started regular practice of one hour a day". "When serving the way Bob suggested, I feel pain in my ankle. Hence, we thought it would be better to train under his supervision for some time," she added. When asked about her plans if she does not overcome the pain, she replied, "even then I will play in the French Open". She was not sure if she could play a couple of events on clay courts before the Grand slam event in Paris beginning on May 23.