A first round exit at Stanford pushed Sania Mirza down two places to 44th on the latest WTA Tour singles charts released on Monday.
A return to her favourite hardcourt surface did not give Sania's ranking the lift she desired as she continued her slide after losing two spots last week.
At Stanford, Sania was ousted by little known Russian Vasilisa Bardina in the first round. She had made it to the quarter-finals at the WTA meet in Mason, Ohio, in the previous week before losing to top seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland.
Her doubles ranking remained unchanged at No 31 despite the semi-finals effort at Stanford with American Bethanie Mattek.
Shikha Uberoi, who fell three places, is the next top-ranked Indian in singles at 174th spot. Her doubles ranking saw considerable improvement after a quarterfinal showing at Stanford and went up 17 places to 127th.
Shikha teamed up with Serbian Jelena Jankovic to reach the second round where they were grounded by Sania and Mattek.
On the men's side, Leander Paes held on to his 14th place in the ATP doubles chart while compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi improved a notch to 22nd.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Sania crashes out of doubles semifinals in Stanford Classic
Sania Mirza's good run in the doubles came to a crashing end with the Indian teen and her American partner Bethanie Mattek suffering a straight set defeat at the hands of fourth seeded Italian-Argentine duo of Maria Elena Camerin and Gisela Dulko
Sania Mirza's good run in the doubles came to a crashing end with the Indian teen and her American partner Bethanie Mattek suffering a straight set defeat at the hands of fourth seeded Italian-Argentine duo of Maria Elena Camerin and Gisela Dulko in the semifinals of the 600,000 dollar Stanford Classic.
The Camerin-Dulko pair quelled challenge from their Indo-American opponents and beat them 6-4, 6-3 to breeze into the finals.
Sania, earlier, had crashed out of the singles event in the first round. Sania and Bethanie were matching their rivals shot for shot but suddenly they lost momentum and the fight went in vain as Camerin and Dulko pocketed the first set, according to information received here today.
Occasional flashes notwithstanding, Sania and Bethanie looked but jaded in the second set. They needed to win it to force a decider but the sense of urgency was somehow lacking and they rather surprisingly seemed to have read the writing on the wall and gave up without a fight.
Sania has had a poor second full season in the WTA Tour but her doubles show has been quite satisfactory and the Hyderabadi rose to a career high 31 in WTA Rankings.
Sania Mirza's good run in the doubles came to a crashing end with the Indian teen and her American partner Bethanie Mattek suffering a straight set defeat at the hands of fourth seeded Italian-Argentine duo of Maria Elena Camerin and Gisela Dulko in the semifinals of the 600,000 dollar Stanford Classic.
The Camerin-Dulko pair quelled challenge from their Indo-American opponents and beat them 6-4, 6-3 to breeze into the finals.
Sania, earlier, had crashed out of the singles event in the first round. Sania and Bethanie were matching their rivals shot for shot but suddenly they lost momentum and the fight went in vain as Camerin and Dulko pocketed the first set, according to information received here today.
Occasional flashes notwithstanding, Sania and Bethanie looked but jaded in the second set. They needed to win it to force a decider but the sense of urgency was somehow lacking and they rather surprisingly seemed to have read the writing on the wall and gave up without a fight.
Sania has had a poor second full season in the WTA Tour but her doubles show has been quite satisfactory and the Hyderabadi rose to a career high 31 in WTA Rankings.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Sania Mirza Crashes Out Of Stanford Classic
New Delhi, India (AHN) - Sania Mirza was shown the way out of the Stanford Classic in the first round by little-known Russian Vasilisa Bardina. Sania crashed out in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 from the $60,000 WTA event.
Playing on the surface of her choice, 42-ranked Sania lacked consistency losing the first set without putting up much of a fight. Though she had made it to the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open last week, the dominant Bardina swept her out of the match.
Sania is teamed up with American Bethanie Mattek in doubles and will meet the Russian-Ukrainian pair - Alla Kudryavtseva and Tetiana Luzhanska - in the first round.
US-based Shikha Oberoi and Yelena Jankovic beat Slovak Daniela Hantuchova and her Japanese teammate Ai Sugiyama 6-3 6-4 to go into the second round of the doubles event.
Playing on the surface of her choice, 42-ranked Sania lacked consistency losing the first set without putting up much of a fight. Though she had made it to the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open last week, the dominant Bardina swept her out of the match.
Sania is teamed up with American Bethanie Mattek in doubles and will meet the Russian-Ukrainian pair - Alla Kudryavtseva and Tetiana Luzhanska - in the first round.
US-based Shikha Oberoi and Yelena Jankovic beat Slovak Daniela Hantuchova and her Japanese teammate Ai Sugiyama 6-3 6-4 to go into the second round of the doubles event.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Sania through to first quarterfinal of year, faces Schnyder
Sania Mirza set up a tough quarterfinal clash with top seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland after defeating Finland's Emma Laine 6-1 0-6 6-1 in the second round of the USD 175,000 Cincinnati WTA tennis here.
The match against Laine fluctuated wildly with the Indian breezing through the first set before suffering a slump in the second set which saw her losing it to love.
But the ninth seed got her act together in the decider and raced ahead to make her first quarterfinal of the year.
Sania was her usual inconsistent self, firing 27 winners compared to the 12 by her opponent in the first set but inexplicably losing her way in the second.
She was at her aggressive best in the third, hitting three aces and 29 winners to take it in an hour and a half.
She next faces Schnyder who beat American qualifier Abigail Spears 6-1 6-0 to make it to the last eight.
The Hyderabadi girl was handed a more favourable draw after third seeded Daniela Hantuchova withdrew from the tournament due to an injury.
In the doubles, India's Shikha Uberoi and her Canadian partner Maureen Drake lost 6-0 1-6 3-6 to top seeds Maria Elena Camerin of Italy and Argentine Gisela Dulko.
Sania is also through to the last eight in doubles where she will pair up with Marta Domachowska of Poland to take on Varvara Lepchenko of Uzbekistan and China's Meng Yuan for a spot in the semifinals.
The match against Laine fluctuated wildly with the Indian breezing through the first set before suffering a slump in the second set which saw her losing it to love.
But the ninth seed got her act together in the decider and raced ahead to make her first quarterfinal of the year.
Sania was her usual inconsistent self, firing 27 winners compared to the 12 by her opponent in the first set but inexplicably losing her way in the second.
She was at her aggressive best in the third, hitting three aces and 29 winners to take it in an hour and a half.
She next faces Schnyder who beat American qualifier Abigail Spears 6-1 6-0 to make it to the last eight.
The Hyderabadi girl was handed a more favourable draw after third seeded Daniela Hantuchova withdrew from the tournament due to an injury.
In the doubles, India's Shikha Uberoi and her Canadian partner Maureen Drake lost 6-0 1-6 3-6 to top seeds Maria Elena Camerin of Italy and Argentine Gisela Dulko.
Sania is also through to the last eight in doubles where she will pair up with Marta Domachowska of Poland to take on Varvara Lepchenko of Uzbekistan and China's Meng Yuan for a spot in the semifinals.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Mirza under a microscope in tennis, world
 | |
| India's Sania Mirza (right) paired with Poland's Marta Domachowska in doubles competition at the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open Monday. |
MASON - The pressure of an entire nation is with Sania Mirza no matter where she travels these days. The Indian teen sensation was midway through her climb to superstardom in her country last year when the then-70th ranked player on the WTA Tour finished as a quarterfinalist at the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open.
Her fourth round U.S. Open showing and subsequent career-high No. 31 ranking last fall only added to her list of firsts for an Indian female tennis player. It also solidified her role as one of the most popular athletes in her country - an athlete who feels support and scrutiny from Paris to London to Mason this year.
"I have them even at Cincinnati. I have a billion people watching my every step, living a tennis match with me," Mirza said. "It is amazing, in a way, that people care so much about just a tennis match, and it can make such a difference to their lives and their moods. But the support is great, and I think I take it to my benefit and need to say I should feel lucky that I have a billion fans every time I step on the court."
Mirza, 19, began play at the W&S Open Monday by teaming with Poland's Marta Domachowska to win a doubles match over Natalie Grandin and Milagros Sequera. She'll begin singles play today against American Alexandra Stevenson in a late-afternoon match at Center Court.
She enters the tournament ranked No. 40 in singles and a career-high No. 33 in doubles. She's seen significant doubles success this year, but some injuries and a couple "unlucky" draws in recent tournaments have kept her from duplicating the singles success she achieved in her first full year on the Tour, when she was 2005 Newcomer of the Year.
Mirza lost to 10th seed Anastasia Myskina in the first round of the French Open and seventh seed Elena Dementieva in the first round of Wimbledon. She avoided another tough first round match this week against fifth-seeded Jelena Jankovic when the draw was shuffled because of injury withdrawals.
"It's good we don't play in the first round," Mirza said with a laugh.
But a couple first-round exits haven't deterred Mirza's fan following or press coverage. She recently was featured in a three-page spread in ESPN The Magazine, detailing her rise to fame, which is also growing in the U.S.-based Indian community, she said.
"It's getting more and more by the day (in India) because I'm playing more and more tournaments and people are following tennis more," Mirza said. "I think people are just excited that there's another sports person besides a cricketer who is playing at the international level on a daily basis, not just a flash in the pan. ... A lot more people know about tennis in India. They are very excited, but with that comes a lot of pressure and expectations."
Aside from tennis, much has been made of Mirza's religious views. As a Muslim, she has drawn criticism throughout her rise to stardom from conservative Islamic groups about issues from her tennis T-shirts and shorts to her views on safe sex. Mirza approached those criticisms Monday with the same confidence with which she carries the weight of a nation.
"I'm really not worried about what people are saying because everyone is entitled to their own opinion," Mirza said. "I'm just here to play tennis, and five or six years from now, maybe I won't be there anymore, and then they'll all forget who Sania Mirza is. So we'll see."
Sania-Marta in second round
Sania Mirza and Marta Domachowska of Poland advanced to the second round with a comfortable victory over Natalie Grandin and Milagros Sequera in women's doubles at the USD 175,000 WTA Tour tennis event in Cincinnati, USA.
Second seeds Sania and Domachowska defeated Grandin of South Africa and Venuezuelan Sequera 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round on Monday.
The Indo-Polish pair will take on Varvara Lepchenko of Uzbekistan and China's Meng Yuan in the second round.
Shikha Uberoi, the other Indian in the fray, is paired with Canada's Maureen Drake and the duo face top seeds Maria Elena Camerin of Italy and Gisela Dulko of Argentina in the first round.
Meanwhile, Sania is set to play lucky loser Alexandra Stevenson of the US in the singles first round later on Tuesday.
This is the first tournament for the 19-year-old Indian since the Wimbledon Grand Slam a week ago.
Second seeds Sania and Domachowska defeated Grandin of South Africa and Venuezuelan Sequera 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round on Monday.
The Indo-Polish pair will take on Varvara Lepchenko of Uzbekistan and China's Meng Yuan in the second round.
Shikha Uberoi, the other Indian in the fray, is paired with Canada's Maureen Drake and the duo face top seeds Maria Elena Camerin of Italy and Gisela Dulko of Argentina in the first round.
Meanwhile, Sania is set to play lucky loser Alexandra Stevenson of the US in the singles first round later on Tuesday.
This is the first tournament for the 19-year-old Indian since the Wimbledon Grand Slam a week ago.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Sania to take on Jankovic in first round of Cincinnati Open
Sania Mirza was handed a tough draw and will take on fifth seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the first round of the 175,000 dollar Western and Southern Financial Group Women's Open starting.
The Indian teen -- ranked 40th in the world -- will start her campaign tomorrow in the WTA tier III event, which will see the return of Wimbledon and US Open champion Serena Williams after a six-month injury lay-off.
Meanwhile, Neha Uberoi, representing USA along with sister Shikha, lost 2-6, 2-6 to Carly Gullickson in the first round of singles qualifiers.
Shikha, who got a walkover in the first round, will take on Abigail Spears in the next level later today.
In the other major matches of the main draw, Serena will face the tournament's second seed, Russian Anastasia Myskina.
Myskina, currently ranked 11th in the WTA rankings, has won 14 of her last 18 matches.
The Indian teen -- ranked 40th in the world -- will start her campaign tomorrow in the WTA tier III event, which will see the return of Wimbledon and US Open champion Serena Williams after a six-month injury lay-off.
Meanwhile, Neha Uberoi, representing USA along with sister Shikha, lost 2-6, 2-6 to Carly Gullickson in the first round of singles qualifiers.
Shikha, who got a walkover in the first round, will take on Abigail Spears in the next level later today.
In the other major matches of the main draw, Serena will face the tournament's second seed, Russian Anastasia Myskina.
Myskina, currently ranked 11th in the WTA rankings, has won 14 of her last 18 matches.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Sania yet to play her best: Bhupathi
Kolkata - Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza’s best play is still some two years away, Davis Cupper Mahesh Bhupathi said here Wednesday.
‘Not too much should be seen from her early exits (from the international tournaments she plays). She is falling far short of the kind of tennis she is capable of,’ Bhupati told reporters here while announcing Martina Hingis’ participation in the Sunfeast Open tennis championship here in September.
‘But she will improve. She is on an upward curve and in about three years time she will break into the top 10. She has that in her,’ Bhupati, a doubles specialist, maintained.
‘She will be at her prime when she is around 22,’ Mahesh said, whose Globosports company manages Mirza’s career.
Mirza has recently dropped to World No 40 on the WTA rankings after early exits from Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The Hyderabadi dazzler has shown an indifferent form even after brilliant starts and that has cost her a few spots over the last few months.
‘Not too much should be seen from her early exits (from the international tournaments she plays). She is falling far short of the kind of tennis she is capable of,’ Bhupati told reporters here while announcing Martina Hingis’ participation in the Sunfeast Open tennis championship here in September.
‘But she will improve. She is on an upward curve and in about three years time she will break into the top 10. She has that in her,’ Bhupati, a doubles specialist, maintained.
‘She will be at her prime when she is around 22,’ Mahesh said, whose Globosports company manages Mirza’s career.
Mirza has recently dropped to World No 40 on the WTA rankings after early exits from Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The Hyderabadi dazzler has shown an indifferent form even after brilliant starts and that has cost her a few spots over the last few months.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Is Akshay chasing after Sania Mirza?
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is running after Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza.
Akshay was recently spotted in London attending various matches of the Wimbledon Championships. During one match, Andy Roddick versus Andrew Murray, Akshay also gave a live interview to the BBC. But one has to ask, what was Akshay doing at the tournament in the first place? Press speculation has suggested that he may have been accompanying young starlet Sania Mirza, India’s number one tennis player. Sania, currently ranked 40th in the ratings, went out of the championship in the first round. But, she hanged around London, and was spotted by various people at many London night-clubs. Akshay Kumar, who keeps away from clubs and pubs, was also spotted at these venues. However, a definitive sighting of both Akshay Kumar and Sania Mirza has not been reported.
Akshay was recently spotted in London attending various matches of the Wimbledon Championships. During one match, Andy Roddick versus Andrew Murray, Akshay also gave a live interview to the BBC. But one has to ask, what was Akshay doing at the tournament in the first place? Press speculation has suggested that he may have been accompanying young starlet Sania Mirza, India’s number one tennis player. Sania, currently ranked 40th in the ratings, went out of the championship in the first round. But, she hanged around London, and was spotted by various people at many London night-clubs. Akshay Kumar, who keeps away from clubs and pubs, was also spotted at these venues. However, a definitive sighting of both Akshay Kumar and Sania Mirza has not been reported.
Sania drops to 40th spot in WTA rankings
The first round loss at the Wimbledon tennis championships has pushed Sania Mirza, who was the lone Indian woman in the Grand Slam event, two places down to 40th in the latest WTA rankings released on Monday.
With 501.50 points, the Hyderabadi girl is the fourth highest ranked among the Asians who are headed by 19th ranked Ai Sugiyama of Japan and China's Na Li (22nd) and Jie Zheng (34th).
Sania, who made it into the second round of the prestigious tournament last year, fumbled at the first hurdle this time, losing to Russian Elena Dementieva -- who has climbed two steps to be ranked sixth.
Dementieva also had a hand in the 19-year old Indian's defeat in the doubles event.
Sania and Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands were knocked out by Dementieva and Flavia Pennetta of Italy in the second round but, that did not affect the Indian teenager's doubles ranking as she managed to hang onto her 33rd position.
New Wimbledon women's champion Amelie Mauresmo of France bolstered her top ranking by reaching to 3692 points, a healthy lead over Belgians second ranked Kim Clijsters (3377) and third-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne (3093).
Meanwhile, India's doubles specialist Leander Paes with 2505 points retained his ranking at the 14th spot.
Mahesh Bhupathi's ranking remained unchanged too as the Bangalorean maintained his 24th doubles ranking with 1755 points.
With 501.50 points, the Hyderabadi girl is the fourth highest ranked among the Asians who are headed by 19th ranked Ai Sugiyama of Japan and China's Na Li (22nd) and Jie Zheng (34th).
Sania, who made it into the second round of the prestigious tournament last year, fumbled at the first hurdle this time, losing to Russian Elena Dementieva -- who has climbed two steps to be ranked sixth.
Dementieva also had a hand in the 19-year old Indian's defeat in the doubles event.
Sania and Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands were knocked out by Dementieva and Flavia Pennetta of Italy in the second round but, that did not affect the Indian teenager's doubles ranking as she managed to hang onto her 33rd position.
New Wimbledon women's champion Amelie Mauresmo of France bolstered her top ranking by reaching to 3692 points, a healthy lead over Belgians second ranked Kim Clijsters (3377) and third-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne (3093).
Meanwhile, India's doubles specialist Leander Paes with 2505 points retained his ranking at the 14th spot.
Mahesh Bhupathi's ranking remained unchanged too as the Bangalorean maintained his 24th doubles ranking with 1755 points.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Sania to instil reading habit among youngsters in UK
London, July 09: India`s Sania Mirza is among a group of celebrity sportspersons taking part in a charity campaign aimed at encouraging reading habit among children.
The Indian has joined the likes of Venus Williams, Lleyton Hewitt and Tim Henman, alongside cricketers, rugby players, footballers, wrestlers and a basketball star to discuss their favourite books for the national literary trust`s reading champions campaign.
The trust, involved in raising literacy standards for all age groups in the UK, is hoping children will be persuaded to get into the habit of reading for pleasure by their sporting role models.
Sania Mirza, Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis all enjoyed best-selling author Dan Brown`s thrillers "Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons".
"We`re thrilled that such elite players value reading and have taken time to support this scheme," Katy Hamlin, manager of the Trust`S Study Support Centre said.
"Having reading role models is really important for young people and it`s so encouraging to know that our pupils may be motivated to pick up a new book and share the reading experience of a world-class tennis player."
Venus Williams said she liked "Charm School" by Susan Wiggs. "Reading is very important. I always have a book with me. It opens my mind, it strengthens my vocabulary, it's fun."
Neil McClelland, the trust`s director, said: "Sports stars can have a tremendous influence on people`s attitudes. By encouraging young people to view reading as a champion`s pastime, these players are helping to inspire young people to become readers."
The Indian has joined the likes of Venus Williams, Lleyton Hewitt and Tim Henman, alongside cricketers, rugby players, footballers, wrestlers and a basketball star to discuss their favourite books for the national literary trust`s reading champions campaign.
The trust, involved in raising literacy standards for all age groups in the UK, is hoping children will be persuaded to get into the habit of reading for pleasure by their sporting role models.
Sania Mirza, Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis all enjoyed best-selling author Dan Brown`s thrillers "Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons".
"We`re thrilled that such elite players value reading and have taken time to support this scheme," Katy Hamlin, manager of the Trust`S Study Support Centre said.
"Having reading role models is really important for young people and it`s so encouraging to know that our pupils may be motivated to pick up a new book and share the reading experience of a world-class tennis player."
Venus Williams said she liked "Charm School" by Susan Wiggs. "Reading is very important. I always have a book with me. It opens my mind, it strengthens my vocabulary, it's fun."
Neil McClelland, the trust`s director, said: "Sports stars can have a tremendous influence on people`s attitudes. By encouraging young people to view reading as a champion`s pastime, these players are helping to inspire young people to become readers."
Monday, July 03, 2006
Sania out of doubles at Wimbledon
Sania Mirza, pairing with Michaella Krajicek of the Netherland, bowed out of the women's doubles event after losing to Russia's Elena Dementieva and Flavia Pennetta of Italy in the second round on Monday.
The eighth seed pair of Dementieva, who caused Sania's exit in the singles as well, proved to be her nemesis once again as she along with Pennetta carved out a 6-4 6-2 win to advance to the third round.
The eighth seed pair of Dementieva, who caused Sania's exit in the singles as well, proved to be her nemesis once again as she along with Pennetta carved out a 6-4 6-2 win to advance to the third round.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Sania-Krajicek, Paes-Damm enter doubles' 2nd round at Wimbledon
London, June 30 (UNI): Sania Mirza and her Dutch partner Michaella Krajicek moved into the second round of the women's doubles event with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win over the French-Italian pair of Stephanie Foretz and Antonella Serra Zanetti at the Wimbledon here.
Sania and Krajicek will now take on the the winner of the other first round clash between eighth seed Russian-Italian pair of Elena Dementieva and Flavia Pennetta and Austrian-Greman duo of Sybille Bammer and Julia Schruff.
In the men's doubles event, seventh seeded Indo-Czech pair of Leander Paes and Martin Damm also won their first round clash against the Serbian-Russian combine of Janko Tipsarevic and Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 after the latter retired in the third set.
They will now take on the winner of the match between Jan Hernych and David Skoch of Czechoslovakia and Jarkko Nieminen and Graydon Oliver (Finland/USA).
Sania and Krajicek were off to a good start against their opponents and raced away with the first set but Stephanie and Antonella made a comeback in the second and caught the Indo-Dutch unawares to take the match into the decider.
However, the French-Italian pair ran out of steam in the third and Sania and Krajicek regained their composure to take the set and seal the match in their favour.
In the match between Paes-Damm and Tipsarevic-Youzhny, the seventh seeds were stretched by their unheralded opponents, who fought hard to force a tie-breaker in the first set but the experienced Indo-Czech pair held their nerves to get past their rivals.
Paes and Damm then raced away with the second set before the Serbian-Russian pair retired from the match.
Sania and Krajicek will now take on the the winner of the other first round clash between eighth seed Russian-Italian pair of Elena Dementieva and Flavia Pennetta and Austrian-Greman duo of Sybille Bammer and Julia Schruff.
In the men's doubles event, seventh seeded Indo-Czech pair of Leander Paes and Martin Damm also won their first round clash against the Serbian-Russian combine of Janko Tipsarevic and Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 after the latter retired in the third set.
They will now take on the winner of the match between Jan Hernych and David Skoch of Czechoslovakia and Jarkko Nieminen and Graydon Oliver (Finland/USA).
Sania and Krajicek were off to a good start against their opponents and raced away with the first set but Stephanie and Antonella made a comeback in the second and caught the Indo-Dutch unawares to take the match into the decider.
However, the French-Italian pair ran out of steam in the third and Sania and Krajicek regained their composure to take the set and seal the match in their favour.
In the match between Paes-Damm and Tipsarevic-Youzhny, the seventh seeds were stretched by their unheralded opponents, who fought hard to force a tie-breaker in the first set but the experienced Indo-Czech pair held their nerves to get past their rivals.
Paes and Damm then raced away with the second set before the Serbian-Russian pair retired from the match.
It's tough to play against No 7: Sania
LONDON, June 29: In her first round match against the seventh seed Russian, Elena Dementieva, the 38th ranked Sania started rather impressively before losing her way. In an exclusive chat with Times of India , the 19-year old looks back on her defeat and talks about the pressures of catering to a billion hopes.
On her thoughts about her first-round match against Dementieva:
I had those three bad games in the first set. But I held back together after that. I don't think I lost because of those three games. I think I played a decent match. It's tough when you are playing No. 7 in the world in your first round match.
On the fact that she needed just one game after leading 4-1 and 5-2 to wrap up the first set:
Just one game! Believe me, it's not that easy. When you are playing No. 7 in the world, you always expect her to comeback. Then a lot of other things count, your nerves, your groundstrokes, the way she is moving, (and she is one of the best movers in women's game), she traded some big shots and won. She's known for coming back when she's down.
On whether a dream debut last year has been followed by a nightmare this year:
Nightmare! No, not really. I am not very disappointed. I think I played a great match. The draw, the luck, wasn't in my favour. I played former champ (Anastasia) Myskina who loves clay - at French. Here I was pitted against the No. 7 in the world.
On whether she's learnt to deal with the burden of expectations:
Well, people haven't left me with any choice. It's hard, because I can't block out everything, but most of it I can, I'm pretty good at it. I have learnt, how you are taken up as soon as you win a match, and the minute you lose, you are pulled down by the same people.
On her thoughts about her first-round match against Dementieva:
I had those three bad games in the first set. But I held back together after that. I don't think I lost because of those three games. I think I played a decent match. It's tough when you are playing No. 7 in the world in your first round match.
On the fact that she needed just one game after leading 4-1 and 5-2 to wrap up the first set:
Just one game! Believe me, it's not that easy. When you are playing No. 7 in the world, you always expect her to comeback. Then a lot of other things count, your nerves, your groundstrokes, the way she is moving, (and she is one of the best movers in women's game), she traded some big shots and won. She's known for coming back when she's down.
On whether a dream debut last year has been followed by a nightmare this year:
Nightmare! No, not really. I am not very disappointed. I think I played a great match. The draw, the luck, wasn't in my favour. I played former champ (Anastasia) Myskina who loves clay - at French. Here I was pitted against the No. 7 in the world.
On whether she's learnt to deal with the burden of expectations:
Well, people haven't left me with any choice. It's hard, because I can't block out everything, but most of it I can, I'm pretty good at it. I have learnt, how you are taken up as soon as you win a match, and the minute you lose, you are pulled down by the same people.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Sania bows out of Wimbledon in first round
Sania Mirza bowed out of the women's singles in the Wimbledon Grand Slam tennis with a 7-6, 7-5 loss to seventh seed Elena Dementieva of Russia in the first round on Wednesday.
Sania was leading 5-2 in the first set after the two players traded breaks of serve.
A spurt of unforced errors from Sania's racquet then allowed Dementieva to win the next four games and make it 6-5.
The 19-year-old Indian then won the 12th game with an ace and pushed the set into the tie-breaker.
Sania was 5-4 up in the shootout before she put a backhand wide and the Russian followed it up with a forehand winner to go 6-5 up.
A Sania forehand then went just wide to give the set to Dementieva.
In the second set, the Hyderabadi teenager saved two break points in the very first game but could not stop her opponent from gaining a 3-2 lead. She then fought back to level the scores at 4-4.
A tiring Sania then sprayed her shots to lose serve once more and went down 4-5.
But Sania kept fighting as she forced three break points when Dementieva served for the match and converted the third when her rival hit a forehand long.
But Dementieva hit back to force two break points of her own and went up 6-5.
Dementieva then made no mistakes when she served for the match for the second time and won the tie after one hour and 25 minutes.
Sania was leading 5-2 in the first set after the two players traded breaks of serve.
A spurt of unforced errors from Sania's racquet then allowed Dementieva to win the next four games and make it 6-5.
The 19-year-old Indian then won the 12th game with an ace and pushed the set into the tie-breaker.
Sania was 5-4 up in the shootout before she put a backhand wide and the Russian followed it up with a forehand winner to go 6-5 up.
A Sania forehand then went just wide to give the set to Dementieva.
In the second set, the Hyderabadi teenager saved two break points in the very first game but could not stop her opponent from gaining a 3-2 lead. She then fought back to level the scores at 4-4.
A tiring Sania then sprayed her shots to lose serve once more and went down 4-5.
But Sania kept fighting as she forced three break points when Dementieva served for the match and converted the third when her rival hit a forehand long.
But Dementieva hit back to force two break points of her own and went up 6-5.
Dementieva then made no mistakes when she served for the match for the second time and won the tie after one hour and 25 minutes.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sania keen to set record straight against Dementieva
Sania Mirza is undaunted by the tough draw handed out to her at the Wimbledon Grand Slam and hopes to do one-set better than last time when she takes on seventh seed Elena Dementieva in the singles opening round.
"Obviously, this is a very tough first round and the problem with playing a top-10 player is that unless you play at your best, they have the capacity to humiliate you on court," Sania said.
The Russian beat the 19-year old Indian 5-7 6-4 6-4 the last and only time they met at Indian Wells earlier this year.
The Hyderabadi lass is keen to set that 0-1 head-to-head record straight against Dementieva.
"She is one of the hardest strikers of the ball that I have ever played against. I played a very tight three-setter against her last time and I hope to give a good account myself this time," Sania said.
The teenager caused ripples on her maiden appearance at Wimbledon last year when she gave Svetlana Kuznetsova a run for her money before going down in the second round.
"I hope to make it as memorable as my last year," she said.
The preparations have not gone exactly according to plans, though.
Although she reached the third round at the DFS Classic - her best performance of the season - a fortnight back, a lack of communication saw her land in Don Bosch, Holland, last week instead of slugging it out against the cream of women's tennis at Eastbourne in London. (PTI)
"Obviously, this is a very tough first round and the problem with playing a top-10 player is that unless you play at your best, they have the capacity to humiliate you on court," Sania said.
The Russian beat the 19-year old Indian 5-7 6-4 6-4 the last and only time they met at Indian Wells earlier this year.
The Hyderabadi lass is keen to set that 0-1 head-to-head record straight against Dementieva.
"She is one of the hardest strikers of the ball that I have ever played against. I played a very tight three-setter against her last time and I hope to give a good account myself this time," Sania said.
The teenager caused ripples on her maiden appearance at Wimbledon last year when she gave Svetlana Kuznetsova a run for her money before going down in the second round.
"I hope to make it as memorable as my last year," she said.
The preparations have not gone exactly according to plans, though.
Although she reached the third round at the DFS Classic - her best performance of the season - a fortnight back, a lack of communication saw her land in Don Bosch, Holland, last week instead of slugging it out against the cream of women's tennis at Eastbourne in London. (PTI)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Why one billion people can't be wrong about Mirza
YOU don't want to mess with Sania Mirza. 'You can either agree with me or be wrong' read the slogan on one of her figure-hugging tee-shirts. 'Well-behaved women rarely make history' read another, worn at Wimbledon last year, while 'I'm cute? No shit' was emblazoned across her frontage at the US Open in September. Ms Mirza has attitude, in case you had not guessed.
When players talk about pressure, they sigh and try to explain what it is like to have a crowd of tennis fans taking an unnatural interest in their every move. Mirza, though, comes from India and not only faces the regular trials and tribulations of a professional athlete and celebrity, she also has one billion people at home following, and discussing, her progress. She admires the likes of Tim Henman and Andy Murray for the way they cope with the media circus that follows them at Wimbledon, but she knows that the pressure she faces is on another level again. "The only difference is that I have a billion people following them and they don't!" she laughed. "I am from India and I have to face it. These are the pressures I'm going to have for the rest of my life and there's nothing I can do about it.
"This is what my country is like and people in India get very emotional about their heroes."
Coming from a nation, and, indeed, a family, of cricket lovers, Mirza broke the mould from the moment she picked up a tennis racket at the age of six. Her talent was obvious from the start but with little by way of training facilities in her home town of Hyderabad, and with only her father to teach her, she constructed a style for herself that is based more on determination than traditional technique. As in everything else in her young life - she is just 19 - she has taken on tennis and done it her way. Her competitive fire has already brought her one tournament title - her home town event last year - and a current ranking of 38 in the world. Like most teenagers, she is not yet ready to become a leader for her generation but, still, she is regarded as either an icon or "a corrupting influence" in her home country. She is a practising Muslim but some more right-wing clerics in India have already attacked her for appearing in public in her tennis kit, clothing they deem to be highly unsuitable for a young woman. One group of fundamentalists even went as far as to issue a fatwa against her, threatening to stop her from playing unless she followed the Islamic dress code.
Fortunately for Mirza, India is a very large country and a large proportion of the 100 million Muslims living there are just pleased to see her succeed. Admittedly, these days she has bodyguards to protect her when she goes home, but they are there to fend off as many autograph hunters and journalists as religious zealots.
It is a lot for anyone to take on board, much less a teenager, but Mirza is a tough cookie. Sharp as a tack, willing and able to defend herself but also ready to laugh at the absurdities of her life, she does her best to put everything into perspective.
When her doubles partner, Liezel Huber, complained that the Bangalore crowd was too noisy as the duo were on the way to claiming the title this year, Mirza reminded her "you know what, you'd rather have them with you than against you".
"So you just have to take everything optimistically," Mirza said. She takes the same attitude to her career. She announced herself as a contender last year by winning in Hyderabad but this year the opposition has sized her up, worked out her weaknesses - her serve - and kept her quiet. Her best result came in Birmingham last week where she reached the third round. Enlisting the help of Tony Roche, Roger Federer's mentor, to sort out that serve, she is keeping her expectations to a minimum while she reconstructs her game and plans her move towards the elite level.
"There are so many people in India who believe I can be No.1 in the world by the end of the year," she said, "and if I start saying that I am going to top ten, then that will just put extra pressure on me. That's why I want to set myself realistic goals. If I stay in the top 50 this year, then that will be achieving my goal, but if stay in the top 25 then that will also be achieving my goal. But I think my main goal is never to be satisfied."
In theory, her plans for Wimbledon this year should also be low-key. But Mirza is both a fighter and a realist and at 19, she has plenty of time to develop her career. And with so many people following her, she will never be short on support. "Wherever I'm playing, whether it's at home or at Wimbledon, the amount of Indians that live in Wimbledon, it almost feels like home," she said. One billion people can't be wrong.
When players talk about pressure, they sigh and try to explain what it is like to have a crowd of tennis fans taking an unnatural interest in their every move. Mirza, though, comes from India and not only faces the regular trials and tribulations of a professional athlete and celebrity, she also has one billion people at home following, and discussing, her progress. She admires the likes of Tim Henman and Andy Murray for the way they cope with the media circus that follows them at Wimbledon, but she knows that the pressure she faces is on another level again. "The only difference is that I have a billion people following them and they don't!" she laughed. "I am from India and I have to face it. These are the pressures I'm going to have for the rest of my life and there's nothing I can do about it.
"This is what my country is like and people in India get very emotional about their heroes."
Coming from a nation, and, indeed, a family, of cricket lovers, Mirza broke the mould from the moment she picked up a tennis racket at the age of six. Her talent was obvious from the start but with little by way of training facilities in her home town of Hyderabad, and with only her father to teach her, she constructed a style for herself that is based more on determination than traditional technique. As in everything else in her young life - she is just 19 - she has taken on tennis and done it her way. Her competitive fire has already brought her one tournament title - her home town event last year - and a current ranking of 38 in the world. Like most teenagers, she is not yet ready to become a leader for her generation but, still, she is regarded as either an icon or "a corrupting influence" in her home country. She is a practising Muslim but some more right-wing clerics in India have already attacked her for appearing in public in her tennis kit, clothing they deem to be highly unsuitable for a young woman. One group of fundamentalists even went as far as to issue a fatwa against her, threatening to stop her from playing unless she followed the Islamic dress code.
Fortunately for Mirza, India is a very large country and a large proportion of the 100 million Muslims living there are just pleased to see her succeed. Admittedly, these days she has bodyguards to protect her when she goes home, but they are there to fend off as many autograph hunters and journalists as religious zealots.
It is a lot for anyone to take on board, much less a teenager, but Mirza is a tough cookie. Sharp as a tack, willing and able to defend herself but also ready to laugh at the absurdities of her life, she does her best to put everything into perspective.
When her doubles partner, Liezel Huber, complained that the Bangalore crowd was too noisy as the duo were on the way to claiming the title this year, Mirza reminded her "you know what, you'd rather have them with you than against you".
"So you just have to take everything optimistically," Mirza said. She takes the same attitude to her career. She announced herself as a contender last year by winning in Hyderabad but this year the opposition has sized her up, worked out her weaknesses - her serve - and kept her quiet. Her best result came in Birmingham last week where she reached the third round. Enlisting the help of Tony Roche, Roger Federer's mentor, to sort out that serve, she is keeping her expectations to a minimum while she reconstructs her game and plans her move towards the elite level.
"There are so many people in India who believe I can be No.1 in the world by the end of the year," she said, "and if I start saying that I am going to top ten, then that will just put extra pressure on me. That's why I want to set myself realistic goals. If I stay in the top 50 this year, then that will be achieving my goal, but if stay in the top 25 then that will also be achieving my goal. But I think my main goal is never to be satisfied."
In theory, her plans for Wimbledon this year should also be low-key. But Mirza is both a fighter and a realist and at 19, she has plenty of time to develop her career. And with so many people following her, she will never be short on support. "Wherever I'm playing, whether it's at home or at Wimbledon, the amount of Indians that live in Wimbledon, it almost feels like home," she said. One billion people can't be wrong.
Tough Wimbledon opener for Sania
Sania Mirza was handed a tough first round outing after being drawn to play seventh seed Elena Dementieva of Russia in the women's singles at the Wimbledon Grand Slam beginning on Monday.
The 19-year old Indian, ranked 38th in the world, is in the top half of the draw and in the second quarter which also features 2004 champion Maria Sharapova.
French Open champion Amelie Mauresmo of France is the top seed followed by Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne, Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, defending champion Venus Williams, Dementieva and Switzerland's Patty Schnyder in that order for the top eight seedings.
Sania is paired with Holland's Michaela Krajicek in the women's doubles and the duo take on Stephanie Foretz of France and Italian Antonella Serra Zanetti in the first round.
In the men's doubles, Leander Paes and Czech Republic's Martin Damm have been seventh seeded.
The pair clash with Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia and Russian Mikhail Youzhny in the opening round.
Mahesh Bhupathi has partnered with Alexander Waske of Germany to be 13th seeded and play Frederic Neimeyer of Canada and American Glenn Weiner in their opening match.
The 19-year old Indian, ranked 38th in the world, is in the top half of the draw and in the second quarter which also features 2004 champion Maria Sharapova.
French Open champion Amelie Mauresmo of France is the top seed followed by Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne, Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, defending champion Venus Williams, Dementieva and Switzerland's Patty Schnyder in that order for the top eight seedings.
Sania is paired with Holland's Michaela Krajicek in the women's doubles and the duo take on Stephanie Foretz of France and Italian Antonella Serra Zanetti in the first round.
In the men's doubles, Leander Paes and Czech Republic's Martin Damm have been seventh seeded.
The pair clash with Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia and Russian Mikhail Youzhny in the opening round.
Mahesh Bhupathi has partnered with Alexander Waske of Germany to be 13th seeded and play Frederic Neimeyer of Canada and American Glenn Weiner in their opening match.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Sania crashes out of Ordina Open
New Delhi: Sania Mirza's preparations for the Wimbledon received a setback when she lost 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 4-6 to Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic in the first round of the 5,000 Ordina Open at 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, on Sunday.
The 19-year old Hyderabadi, who jumped three places to 38 in world rankings after reaching the third round of DFS Classic in Birmingham last week, was at the receiving end of some dubious overrules by the chair umpire, according to information received in New Delhi.
Sania, leading 4-2 in the first set tie-break, served an ace which was belatedly turned into "fault" by the chair and the point awarded to Benesova.
The chair umpire made another overrule against Sania when she hit a clear winner on the far side of the court on set point in the same tie-break.
The Indian bounced back to wrap up the second set before conceding the next set and match.
Meanwhile, Sania will be partnering Holland's Michaella Krajicek in the women's doubles of the Wimbledon Grand Slam beginning next week.
The 19-year old Hyderabadi, who jumped three places to 38 in world rankings after reaching the third round of DFS Classic in Birmingham last week, was at the receiving end of some dubious overrules by the chair umpire, according to information received in New Delhi.
Sania, leading 4-2 in the first set tie-break, served an ace which was belatedly turned into "fault" by the chair and the point awarded to Benesova.
The chair umpire made another overrule against Sania when she hit a clear winner on the far side of the court on set point in the same tie-break.
The Indian bounced back to wrap up the second set before conceding the next set and match.
Meanwhile, Sania will be partnering Holland's Michaella Krajicek in the women's doubles of the Wimbledon Grand Slam beginning next week.
Sania crashes out of Holland event
New Delhi, June 19. (PTI): Sania Mirza's preparations for the Wimbledon received a setback when she lost 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 4-6 to Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic in the first round of the $ 175,000 Ordina Open at 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, on Sunday.
The 19-year old Hyderabadi, who jumped three places to 38 in world rankings after reaching the third round of DFS Classic in Birmingham last week, was at the receiving end of some dubious overrules by the chair umpire, according to information received here today.
Sania, leading 4-2 in the first set tie-break, served an ace, which was belatedly turned into "fault" by the chair and the point awarded to Benesova.
The chair umpire made another overrule against Sania, when she hit a clear winner on the far side of the court on set point in the same tie-break.
The Indian bounced back to wrap up the second set before conceding the next set and match.
Meanwhile, Sania will be partnering Holland's Michaella Krajicek in the women's doubles of the Wimbledon Grand Slam beginning next week.
The 19-year old Hyderabadi, who jumped three places to 38 in world rankings after reaching the third round of DFS Classic in Birmingham last week, was at the receiving end of some dubious overrules by the chair umpire, according to information received here today.
Sania, leading 4-2 in the first set tie-break, served an ace, which was belatedly turned into "fault" by the chair and the point awarded to Benesova.
The chair umpire made another overrule against Sania, when she hit a clear winner on the far side of the court on set point in the same tie-break.
The Indian bounced back to wrap up the second set before conceding the next set and match.
Meanwhile, Sania will be partnering Holland's Michaella Krajicek in the women's doubles of the Wimbledon Grand Slam beginning next week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
