Sania meets Kolkata schoolchildren

After conquering several battles on the court, it was time for tennis ace Sania Mirza to capture the hearts of some schoolchildren in Kolkata.

Sania visited the Ballygunge Siksha Sadan and the Carmel High School hours before the start of the Sunfeast Open, and created an impact on the young minds.

"Just a few years back I was sitting where you are today. It is great to see you all being so enthusiastic about tennis. We can find better Sanias in the future," the 2005 Hyderabad Open Champion told the children.

Some children from these schools had won a contest to watch Sania in action at the Sunfeast Open, but the one-on-one meeting had a far greater impact.

"We love her style and yet she is so simple," a student said.

"Meeting Sania was a dream come true for us. She is like an angel," said another.

Sania had just about 10 minutes for each school, as she rushed back to practice.

Clearly, it was not just the way she dresses that attracted the young kids, but also her personality. All of them are now expecting a great performance from her during the Sunfeast Open.