Media hype around Sania affecting other players: Shikha

Kolkata, Sep 20: Too much media hype over Indian ace Sania Mirza is making things difficult for other women players of the country, says Shikha Uberoi.

"I think the media should treat every player equally. They should highlight the achievements and talents of every deserving player," says Shikha, India's number two women's tennis star.

The 23-year-old has no reservation in acknowledging Sania's greatness and her contribution to Indian tennis.

"She has done well. So, it is natural that she will get more attention. But it's definitely very difficult when the young talents see that you (the media) are only focussing on Sania, and their talents are not being recognished," Shikha told PTI.

The world number 193, however, felt that it was for the media to put things in perspective. "I, or the other players, can't do anything about it," said the US-based player.

Born in Mumbai, Shikha started playing tennis when she was only six. But she began seriously pursuing the game four years later.

Shikha, who reached a career high singles ranking of 122 last year, admitted that her performance had not been upto the mark so far in 2006.

"The results are not upto my expectation," she said.

Now in the city to play the USD 175,000 WTA Sunfeast Open, Shikha's singles campaign ended in the first round itself when she went down to Czech girl Hana Sromova in straight sets.