KOLKATA : The big lady of Indian tennis Sania Mirza, feels success has made her more responsible. She said this while talking to school children whom she visited on Monday as part of the promotional campaign organised by the sponsor of Sunfeast Open, ITC Foods Ltd. Sania, who has kept herself away from the media attention here in a bid to focus on her game, mingled with the children unhesitatingly. Note of advice
The first note of advice that she had to offer was — mind what you say. "I have to measure every word I utter. An `if or but' from my lips can create a national crisis,'' the 19-year-old said. Relishing every moment
She said her success in international tennis over the last two yeas has made her more responsible. "In whatever I do, I have to be careful,'' she said in front of around 50 students who relished every moment of their time they spent with her. She tackled all the odd questions with a smile. When asked to relate the funniest moment on court, she recalled an incident during a similar WTA event at Hyderabad two years ago. "I don't know whether it will be proper to narrate it before school children,'' she said pausing briefly but continued, "by the side of the court, there was a guy with a placard `Sania, marry me'. And beside him were three other guys, each holding aloft placards `and me, `and me' and me,'' she said to merriment of her listeners. She was even more candid when another student asked about her idol. "Well, it is Steffi Graf. But whenever I met her, I could never open my mouth. I hope I'll able to break my silence some day,'' she said. Sania also urged the students to follow their dreams. "And you must try to enjoy what you are doing'' |
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Success has made Sania more responsible
Sania’s day out with schoolkids
- ‘Becoming an icon comes with its share of responsibility’
 |
| Sania Mirza at a school function on Monday |
Calcutta: It was a time of sheer euphoria for the school kids. Add to that a substantial dose of chaos. The reason? Sania Mirza. The teen tennis sensation visited St Thomas’ Girls School, Kidderpore, and the Heritage School on Monday morning as a mark of recognition to the schools for having sent a large number of entries for the Sunfeast Open Trophy design contest.
It was meant to be an interactive session with the kids. But the jostle between her security personnel and the TV cameramen at St Thomas’ did not leave much room for it.
In a black and white outfit, looking fresh and bubbly, Sania invited the girls at St Thomas’ to come and watch her play at the Sunfeast Open on Tuesday.
“Whatever you do, do it to the best of your abilities. Enjoy whatever you choose to do in life, have fun. And remember, do nothing to please others. Self-satisfaction is what is most important,” was her word of advice to the awe-struck girls, and she was off to keep her date with the children of Heritage School.
The scene there was better and the kids got the opportunity to shoot a few questions at her.
What would she have asked her idol if the scene was different and her idol was the one on stage answering questions, asked one.
Sania’s idol is, of course, Steffi Graf. And she would have been absolutely tongue-tied had she been in that situation, came the prompt reply.
Everything comes with a price. What is the price that she is paying for her fame? Pat came the reply: “My privacy, of course.”
How does it feel to appear on the cover of the Time magazine? “Great, of course,” said Sania, but went on to add that becoming an icon sure comes with a responsibility — of what to wear, what to say and how to conduct oneself.
Is she getting lost in the sea of endorsements that she is making these days? On the contrary, she believes it is helping bring tennis into greater focus.
“For, in India, except for cricketers, the general public has little knowledge about other sports and you have to explain which discipline of sport you specialise in.”
Sania sure has changed that scenario.
Hingis looks forward to playing with Sania Mirza
Kolkata, Sept 19: Ninth ranked Swiss tennis player Martina Hingis has said that she is looking forward to a possible clash with rising Indian tennis star Sania Mirza at the ongoing Sunfeast Open in Kolkata.
"It would definitely be great if I could play with her, but we both have to first get there. We will get to play perhaps later in the week," said Hingis at a post- match presser.
The five-times Grand Slam singles champion, Hingis said that she was happy with the way her comeback was shaping up.
"Right now if I continue to play like today, I would definitely be satisfied. It is just that sometimes in an athlete's life you have ups and downs. Definitely, after the US Open I was quite disappointed. Making it to the finals and winning Rome and all these events, I played well. But the Grand Slams - Wimbledon and US Open were not the best," she said.
Hingis, who reached the quarterfinals of the Australian and French Opens this year, said she would love to add another Grand Slam title to her impressive haul.
Former World Number One Hingis romped to a 6-1 6-2 victory over Hungary's Melinda Czink in her first round fixture on Monday.
Hingis, who had retired in 2002 with foot and ankle injuries, has re-established herself successfully among the elite with victory in the Italian Open in May. She is the top seed here and faces Israel's Tzipora Obziler next.
In spite of an indifferent season so far this year that saw her ranking plunge to 70, Mirza is still quite an icon among tennis-lovers in India.
"It would definitely be great if I could play with her, but we both have to first get there. We will get to play perhaps later in the week," said Hingis at a post- match presser.
The five-times Grand Slam singles champion, Hingis said that she was happy with the way her comeback was shaping up.
"Right now if I continue to play like today, I would definitely be satisfied. It is just that sometimes in an athlete's life you have ups and downs. Definitely, after the US Open I was quite disappointed. Making it to the finals and winning Rome and all these events, I played well. But the Grand Slams - Wimbledon and US Open were not the best," she said.
Hingis, who reached the quarterfinals of the Australian and French Opens this year, said she would love to add another Grand Slam title to her impressive haul.
Former World Number One Hingis romped to a 6-1 6-2 victory over Hungary's Melinda Czink in her first round fixture on Monday.
Hingis, who had retired in 2002 with foot and ankle injuries, has re-established herself successfully among the elite with victory in the Italian Open in May. She is the top seed here and faces Israel's Tzipora Obziler next.
In spite of an indifferent season so far this year that saw her ranking plunge to 70, Mirza is still quite an icon among tennis-lovers in India.
Sania Mirza's Lotto campaign sparks off protests in Hyderabad
Hyderabad/Kolkata, Sep 19: An advertising campaign featuring India's rising tennis star Sania Mirza sparked off protests in her hometown Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday.
The Lotto sportswear campaign features Sania resting her foot on a guitar painted in the colours of the Indian flag.
Members of the 'Rahul Priyanka Youth Brigade', an affiliate to the state’s ruling Congress Party, shouted anti-Sania slogans and burnt her effigies, demanding an immediate public apology from her.
"We hereby ask her to apologise to the whole country. While endorsing a foreign brand, she is demeaning the Indian flag rather than holding it high. That she chose to feature in that advertisement is a shame," said Manoj Alexander, president of the Rahul Priyanka Youth Brigade.
Among the protestors were several Muslim women clad in traditional black veils.
Sania had earlier earned the ire of Muslim groups in Hyderabad who had objected to her skimpy tennis outfits, which they said violated Islamic norms.
Sania is currently participating in the ongoing 175,000 dollars Sunfeast Open in Kolkata, where she plays Indian qualifier Rushmi Chakravarthi in her first round match on Tuesday.
Sania surmounted religious barriers to surge from 206th in the women's world rankings in 2004 to a career high 31 in October last year.
She also became the first Indian woman to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament at the U.S. Open before succumbing to Russia's Maria Sharapova.
The high point of her career at this time is her doubles ranking as World No. 28.
In spite of an indifferent season this year that saw her singles ranking plunge to 70, Sania is still looked upon as an icon among rising female tennis-lovers in the country.
The Lotto sportswear campaign features Sania resting her foot on a guitar painted in the colours of the Indian flag.
Members of the 'Rahul Priyanka Youth Brigade', an affiliate to the state’s ruling Congress Party, shouted anti-Sania slogans and burnt her effigies, demanding an immediate public apology from her.
"We hereby ask her to apologise to the whole country. While endorsing a foreign brand, she is demeaning the Indian flag rather than holding it high. That she chose to feature in that advertisement is a shame," said Manoj Alexander, president of the Rahul Priyanka Youth Brigade.
Among the protestors were several Muslim women clad in traditional black veils.
Sania had earlier earned the ire of Muslim groups in Hyderabad who had objected to her skimpy tennis outfits, which they said violated Islamic norms.
Sania is currently participating in the ongoing 175,000 dollars Sunfeast Open in Kolkata, where she plays Indian qualifier Rushmi Chakravarthi in her first round match on Tuesday.
Sania surmounted religious barriers to surge from 206th in the women's world rankings in 2004 to a career high 31 in October last year.
She also became the first Indian woman to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament at the U.S. Open before succumbing to Russia's Maria Sharapova.
The high point of her career at this time is her doubles ranking as World No. 28.
In spite of an indifferent season this year that saw her singles ranking plunge to 70, Sania is still looked upon as an icon among rising female tennis-lovers in the country.
Monday, September 18, 2006
pic
INDIAN TENNIS SENSATION SANIA MIRZA DURING A PRACTICE SESSION AT NETAJI INDOOR STADIUM IN KOLKATA DURING SUNFEAST OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT 2006 , ON MONDAY. PTI PHOTO ; TENNIS SENSATION SANIA MIRZA DURING PRACTICE SESSION AT NETAJI INDOOR STADIUM IN KOLKATA ON MONDAY EARLY MORNING
‘Sania needs permanent coach’
Kolkata, Sept 18: Improper shot selection and constant chop and change of coaches have been a bane of Sania Mirza’s game, feels her Fed Cup captain Enrico Piperno.
“I am working with her this week only and I must say that she looked sharp, fit and keen in her game,” Piperno told UNI. However, he added that Sania’s game has been understood by her rivals after one year on the circuit and the Hyderabadi tennis sensation needed to evolve new plans to continue her tennis career. “After one year on the circuit the opposition knows your weaknesses and it’s just a matter of how you evolve yourself and change your game and find ways of going around your opponent. She needs to do that,” he said.
On her current form Piperno said: “She is in good nick. But she has a problem with shot selection. The angles she is trying to give to the shots don’t exist and that makes her lose points. I just gave her a few tips on those lines.”
“The role of a good coach is immense. The fact that Sania has not managed a coach till now with whom she can gel well has not augured well for her career. I hope she will soon find a coach with whom she can think of working long term. That will really boost her game,” he said.
Sunfeast
KOLKATA : INDIAN TENNIS SENSATION SANIA MIRZA DURING PRACTICE SESSION FOR THE SUNFEAST OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT AT NETAJI INDOOR STADIUM IN KOLKATA ON MONDAY. PTI PHOTO ; TENNIS SENSATION SANIA MIRZA DURING PRACTICE SESSION AT NETAJI INDOOR STADIUM IN KOLKATA ON MONDAY EARLY MORNING
An 'if' or 'but' from my lips can create national crisis: Sania
Kolkata, Sep 18: Apart from battling a form downslide and plummeting rankings, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza also has to be on her guard while speaking as one loose statement from her could lead to "a national crisis".
"I have to measure every word I utter. An if to but from my lips can create a national crisis," the 19-year-old said here today.The country's top women's tennis star, who has found herself embroiled in controversies in the past over her on-court dress code which even led to some Muslim organisations issuing fatwa against her, made the admission during a brief interaction with school kids at a programme here.
Participating in a question-answer session with the kids at the Heritage school, Sania said her success in international tennis over the last two years had made her a responsible individual.
"In whatever I do, I have to be careful," she said, as some 50-odd students lapped up every moment of their tryst with the glamorous tennis star.
A cheerful Sania, responding to a query about her funniest moment on court, recalled an incident during the Hyderabad WTA Open two years back.
"I don't know whether it will be proper to narrate it before school children," Sania said pausing for a moment. "By the side of the court, there was a guy with a placard 'Sania, marry me'. And beside him were three other guys, each holding aloft placards 'and me', 'and me', 'and me'," she said, breaking into her trademark broad smile.
Another student asked Sania, what specific query she would put forth to her idol.
"Well, my idol is Steffi Graf. But whenever I have met her, I could never open my mouth. The day I manage to break my silence before her, I'll let you know".
Sania also urged the students to follow their dreams. "And you must enjoy what you are doing".
Sania earlier visited the Khiddirpore St Thomas Day school where she was welcomed with flowers by the children and the teachers.
Both the functions were marred by overzealous private securitymen deployed by the organisers who seemed more intent on shoving mediapersons away than preventing any breach of epace.
At the Heritage school, some securitymen even broke the camera of a television channel.
"I have to measure every word I utter. An if to but from my lips can create a national crisis," the 19-year-old said here today.The country's top women's tennis star, who has found herself embroiled in controversies in the past over her on-court dress code which even led to some Muslim organisations issuing fatwa against her, made the admission during a brief interaction with school kids at a programme here.Participating in a question-answer session with the kids at the Heritage school, Sania said her success in international tennis over the last two years had made her a responsible individual.
"In whatever I do, I have to be careful," she said, as some 50-odd students lapped up every moment of their tryst with the glamorous tennis star.
A cheerful Sania, responding to a query about her funniest moment on court, recalled an incident during the Hyderabad WTA Open two years back.
"I don't know whether it will be proper to narrate it before school children," Sania said pausing for a moment. "By the side of the court, there was a guy with a placard 'Sania, marry me'. And beside him were three other guys, each holding aloft placards 'and me', 'and me', 'and me'," she said, breaking into her trademark broad smile.
Another student asked Sania, what specific query she would put forth to her idol.
"Well, my idol is Steffi Graf. But whenever I have met her, I could never open my mouth. The day I manage to break my silence before her, I'll let you know".
Sania also urged the students to follow their dreams. "And you must enjoy what you are doing".
Sania earlier visited the Khiddirpore St Thomas Day school where she was welcomed with flowers by the children and the teachers.
Both the functions were marred by overzealous private securitymen deployed by the organisers who seemed more intent on shoving mediapersons away than preventing any breach of epace.
At the Heritage school, some securitymen even broke the camera of a television channel.
Sania will benefit by pairing with Paes: Bob Brett
Sania Mirza's decision to pair with Leander Paes in mixed doubles at December's Asian Games will bring the best out of her and lift her ranking, says renowned tennis coach Bob Brett.
"Leander is not only a great doubles player but a great mixed doubles player as well. The best thing about him is that he is always able to bring the best out of his partner," Brett told IANS in an interview.
Brett, who was here in connection with a tennis workshop, should know a thing or two about Sania's game as she had a stint with him at his academy in San Remo, Italy, in 2003.
Sania, currently playing in the Sunfeast Open in Kolkata, has slipped from a career-high world ranking of 31 in October last year, when she reached the fourth round of the US Open, to the current 70.
A spate of injuries and poor form has contributed to this downfall in rankings of one of India's best tennis players.
But Brett believes that a stint with Paes at the Asian Games in Doha will be the ideal tonic that she needs to lift her game.
"I believe that Leander is the one who helped Mahesh (Bhupathi) to bring the best out him. And now Mahesh has superseded Leander in terms of Grand Slam titles," said Brett in support of his argument.
Paes, who won the US Open doubles title with Martin Damm of Czech Republic recently, is known to lift his game in adversity, especially in the Davis Cup.
"Similarly, his association with Sania will also help her to improve rankings and regain form. In fact, India's medal prospects at the Doha Asian Games will also become bright," said the 53-year-old coach who has trained greats like Boris Becker, Goran Ivanesic and Mario Ancic.
Brett also had a word of caution for 19-year-old Sania, saying that she should be selective while choosing tournaments.
"Now she is only concentrating to improve her rankings and to do so she is playing lot of tournaments despite injuries. This can prove detrimental for her career," he opined.
"Good players know which tournaments they should play and which they should skip. This is the trick of the trade that Sania should learn by now."
Brett also accepted the fact that Sania, one of the biggest female sporting icons India has ever produced, is carrying a lot of expectations. He said that with time she would learn to strike a perfect balance between pressure and performance.
The coach also expressed his disappointment that India is not producing good players.
"India has all the ingredients to produce talents but somehow the country is not able to get Mahesh and Paes' successors," he lamented.
"You cannot give excuses that there are not enough role models in the country. Paes and Mahesh are too good by Indian standards and are ideal role models for the youngsters in the country."
Brett said that India's problem lies at the grass root level. And he went on to suggest the solution too: by coaching the coaches.
"Leander is not only a great doubles player but a great mixed doubles player as well. The best thing about him is that he is always able to bring the best out of his partner," Brett told IANS in an interview.
Brett, who was here in connection with a tennis workshop, should know a thing or two about Sania's game as she had a stint with him at his academy in San Remo, Italy, in 2003.
Sania, currently playing in the Sunfeast Open in Kolkata, has slipped from a career-high world ranking of 31 in October last year, when she reached the fourth round of the US Open, to the current 70.
A spate of injuries and poor form has contributed to this downfall in rankings of one of India's best tennis players.
But Brett believes that a stint with Paes at the Asian Games in Doha will be the ideal tonic that she needs to lift her game.
"I believe that Leander is the one who helped Mahesh (Bhupathi) to bring the best out him. And now Mahesh has superseded Leander in terms of Grand Slam titles," said Brett in support of his argument.
Paes, who won the US Open doubles title with Martin Damm of Czech Republic recently, is known to lift his game in adversity, especially in the Davis Cup.
"Similarly, his association with Sania will also help her to improve rankings and regain form. In fact, India's medal prospects at the Doha Asian Games will also become bright," said the 53-year-old coach who has trained greats like Boris Becker, Goran Ivanesic and Mario Ancic.
Brett also had a word of caution for 19-year-old Sania, saying that she should be selective while choosing tournaments.
"Now she is only concentrating to improve her rankings and to do so she is playing lot of tournaments despite injuries. This can prove detrimental for her career," he opined.
"Good players know which tournaments they should play and which they should skip. This is the trick of the trade that Sania should learn by now."
Brett also accepted the fact that Sania, one of the biggest female sporting icons India has ever produced, is carrying a lot of expectations. He said that with time she would learn to strike a perfect balance between pressure and performance.
The coach also expressed his disappointment that India is not producing good players.
"India has all the ingredients to produce talents but somehow the country is not able to get Mahesh and Paes' successors," he lamented.
"You cannot give excuses that there are not enough role models in the country. Paes and Mahesh are too good by Indian standards and are ideal role models for the youngsters in the country."
Brett said that India's problem lies at the grass root level. And he went on to suggest the solution too: by coaching the coaches.
Sania, Paes can make a rocking pair
New Delhi: Sania Mirza's decision to pair with Leander Paes in mixed doubles at December's Asian Games will bring the best out of her and lift her ranking, says renowned tennis coach Bob Brett.
"Leander is not only a great doubles player, but a great mixed doubles player as well. The best thing about him is that he is always able to bring the best out of his partner," Brett said.
Brett, who was here in connection with a tennis workshop, should know a thing or two about Sania's game as she had a stint with him at his academy in San Remo, Italy, in 2003.
Sania, currently playing in the Sunfeast Open in Kolkata, has slipped from a career-high world ranking of 31 in October last year, when she reached the fourth round of the US Open, to the current 70.
A spate of injuries and poor form has contributed to this downfall in rankings of one of India's best tennis players. But Brett believes that a stint with Paes at the Asian Games in Doha will be the ideal tonic that she needs to lift her game.
"I believe Leander is the one who helped Mahesh (Bhupathi) to bring the best out him. And now Mahesh has superseded Leander in terms of Grand Slam titles," Brett said in support of his argument.
Paes, who won the US Open doubles title with Martin Damm of Czech Republic recently, is known to lift his game in adversity, especially in the Davis Cup. "Similarly, his association with Sania will also help her to improve rankings and regain form. In fact, India's medal prospects at the Doha Asian Games will also become bright," said the 53-year-old coach who has trained greats like Boris Becker, Goran Ivanesic and Mario Ancic.
Brett also had a word of caution for 19-year-old Sania, saying that she should be selective while choosing tournaments. "Now she is only concentrating to improve her rankings and to do so she is playing lot of tournaments despite injuries. This can prove detrimental for her career," he opined.
"Good players know which tournaments they should play and which they should skip. This is the trick of the trade that Sania should learn by now." Brett also accepted the fact that Sania, one of the biggest female sporting icons India has ever produced, is carrying a lot of expectations. He said that with time she would learn to strike a perfect balance between pressure and performance.
The coach also expressed his disappointment that India is not producing good players. "India has all the ingredients to produce talents but somehow the country is not able to get Mahesh and Paes' successors," he lamented.
"You cannot give excuses that there are not enough role models in the country. Paes and Mahesh are too good by Indian standards and are ideal role models for the youngsters in the country." Brett said that India's problem lies at the grass root level. And he went on to suggest the solution too: by coaching the coaches.
"Leander is not only a great doubles player, but a great mixed doubles player as well. The best thing about him is that he is always able to bring the best out of his partner," Brett said.
Brett, who was here in connection with a tennis workshop, should know a thing or two about Sania's game as she had a stint with him at his academy in San Remo, Italy, in 2003.
Sania, currently playing in the Sunfeast Open in Kolkata, has slipped from a career-high world ranking of 31 in October last year, when she reached the fourth round of the US Open, to the current 70.
A spate of injuries and poor form has contributed to this downfall in rankings of one of India's best tennis players. But Brett believes that a stint with Paes at the Asian Games in Doha will be the ideal tonic that she needs to lift her game.
"I believe Leander is the one who helped Mahesh (Bhupathi) to bring the best out him. And now Mahesh has superseded Leander in terms of Grand Slam titles," Brett said in support of his argument.
Paes, who won the US Open doubles title with Martin Damm of Czech Republic recently, is known to lift his game in adversity, especially in the Davis Cup. "Similarly, his association with Sania will also help her to improve rankings and regain form. In fact, India's medal prospects at the Doha Asian Games will also become bright," said the 53-year-old coach who has trained greats like Boris Becker, Goran Ivanesic and Mario Ancic.
Brett also had a word of caution for 19-year-old Sania, saying that she should be selective while choosing tournaments. "Now she is only concentrating to improve her rankings and to do so she is playing lot of tournaments despite injuries. This can prove detrimental for her career," he opined.
"Good players know which tournaments they should play and which they should skip. This is the trick of the trade that Sania should learn by now." Brett also accepted the fact that Sania, one of the biggest female sporting icons India has ever produced, is carrying a lot of expectations. He said that with time she would learn to strike a perfect balance between pressure and performance.
The coach also expressed his disappointment that India is not producing good players. "India has all the ingredients to produce talents but somehow the country is not able to get Mahesh and Paes' successors," he lamented.
"You cannot give excuses that there are not enough role models in the country. Paes and Mahesh are too good by Indian standards and are ideal role models for the youngsters in the country." Brett said that India's problem lies at the grass root level. And he went on to suggest the solution too: by coaching the coaches.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
An artificial 'Sania Mania'?
Kolkata, Sep 17: Even as the Kolkatans have shown little interest towards the Sunfeast Open this year so far, the tournament organisers played a cat-and-mouse game with the journos regarding the arrival time of Indian favourite Sania Mirza.
In contrast to the last edition,, when Sania was the darling of the crowds after her series of scintillating performances, the sports buffs here seem to have turned away from the Hyderabad girl.
There is little discussion in the street corners and cofeee shops about the tournament, and even less about Sania.
However, the organisers seem to be living in a make-believe world of their own.
Since morning, despite repeated queries from the mediapersons, the organisers kept Sania's arrival time under wraps. There was a large assembly of journalists in the players' hotel since the morning, as rumours constantly floated in the air about Sania having arrived at the airport.
In contrast to the last edition,, when Sania was the darling of the crowds after her series of scintillating performances, the sports buffs here seem to have turned away from the Hyderabad girl.
There is little discussion in the street corners and cofeee shops about the tournament, and even less about Sania.
However, the organisers seem to be living in a make-believe world of their own.
Since morning, despite repeated queries from the mediapersons, the organisers kept Sania's arrival time under wraps. There was a large assembly of journalists in the players' hotel since the morning, as rumours constantly floated in the air about Sania having arrived at the airport.
Sania to begin campaign against Rushmi
Kolkata, Sep 17: India's numero uno player Sania Mirza would begin her campaign at the USD 175,000 WTA Sunfeast Open by taking on qualifier Rushmi Chakravarthi in the first round.
Sania, the fifth seed, would meet the winner of the opening round clash between Russian Galina Voskoboeva and German Sandra Kloeel in the second round.
Veteran Tamil Nadu girl Chakravarthi made the cut for the main draw by accounting for compatriot Tara Iyer 7-5 6-4 in the second round of the qualifying tournament earlier in the day.
Sania, who arrived here last night, had a two-and-half hour practice session in the morning and followed it up with another tune-up session in the evening.
Local players Manoj Sewa, Vinod Sewa and Akshay Bajoria donned the mantle of hitting partner.
Despite Sania's downward performance graph, former Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali felt that she was now an improved player.
"Both movement-wise and physically, she looks better," Akhtar, who watched Sania's morning practice routine, told PTI.
Sania, the fifth seed, would meet the winner of the opening round clash between Russian Galina Voskoboeva and German Sandra Kloeel in the second round.
Veteran Tamil Nadu girl Chakravarthi made the cut for the main draw by accounting for compatriot Tara Iyer 7-5 6-4 in the second round of the qualifying tournament earlier in the day.
Sania, who arrived here last night, had a two-and-half hour practice session in the morning and followed it up with another tune-up session in the evening.
Local players Manoj Sewa, Vinod Sewa and Akshay Bajoria donned the mantle of hitting partner.
Despite Sania's downward performance graph, former Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali felt that she was now an improved player.
"Both movement-wise and physically, she looks better," Akhtar, who watched Sania's morning practice routine, told PTI.
Mirza have points to prove in Kolkata tournament
Former world number one Martina Hingis and Indian star Sania Mirza have been drawn to meet in the semifinals of the 175,000-dollar WTA tournament starting here on Monday.Top-seeded Swiss player Hingis, who in 1996 had become the youngest
Wimbledon champion at the age of 15 years and nine months, has an important assignment at hand in a bid to recapture old glory.
Fifth seed Mirza, who will turn 20 in November, faces pressure of a different kind in front of a home crowd as she looks to bounce back after seeing her rankings fall to 70 from 31 last year.
World number nine Hingis's first round opponent will be Hungarian Melinda Czink, who had a couple of good WTA outings recently while Mirza is lucky to be playing a qualifier in the opening match.
Other prominent names in the field include Karolina Sprem of Croatia, Nicole Pratt of Australia and Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
Second-seeded Sprem has an easy draw till the quarter-finals, where she has the chance to meet eighth seed Anastassia Rodionova of Russia.
Third seed Yuliana Fedak of Ukraine may have an easy ride till the semi-finals where she may face seventh seed Pratt.
The seedings:
1. Martina Hingis (SUI)
2. Karolina Sprem (CRO)
3. Yuliana Fedak (UKR)
4. Aravane Rezai (FRA)
5. Sania Mirza (IND)
6. Kaia Kanepi ((EST)
7. Nicole Pratt (AUS)
8. Anastassia Rodionova (RUS)
Wimbledon champion at the age of 15 years and nine months, has an important assignment at hand in a bid to recapture old glory.
Fifth seed Mirza, who will turn 20 in November, faces pressure of a different kind in front of a home crowd as she looks to bounce back after seeing her rankings fall to 70 from 31 last year.
World number nine Hingis's first round opponent will be Hungarian Melinda Czink, who had a couple of good WTA outings recently while Mirza is lucky to be playing a qualifier in the opening match.
Other prominent names in the field include Karolina Sprem of Croatia, Nicole Pratt of Australia and Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
Second-seeded Sprem has an easy draw till the quarter-finals, where she has the chance to meet eighth seed Anastassia Rodionova of Russia.
Third seed Yuliana Fedak of Ukraine may have an easy ride till the semi-finals where she may face seventh seed Pratt.
The seedings:
1. Martina Hingis (SUI)
2. Karolina Sprem (CRO)
3. Yuliana Fedak (UKR)
4. Aravane Rezai (FRA)
5. Sania Mirza (IND)
6. Kaia Kanepi ((EST)
7. Nicole Pratt (AUS)
8. Anastassia Rodionova (RUS)
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Sania Mirza wants land, CM not game
Back home after a forgettable season which saw her slide steeply in the WTA rankings, Sania Mirza met chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on Saturday and requested him to allot land for setting up a tennis academy.
Clearly taken aback by the request, the chief minister assured the player that her request would receive due consideration and advised her to concentrate more on her game.
Sources in the CM's office told TOI that Sania, the biggest beneficiary of the previous government's largesse, assured the CM that 2007 would be eventful as she intends to hire a foreign coach.
The source, however, made it clear that the government was in no mood to consider Sania's request: "She is still very young. Maybe the soaring land prices in the city prompted her to come up with such a request.
The government had already given her more than Rs 1 crore and a 500 square yard site in Jubilee Hills. She is also getting a lot of money through endorsements. What more does she need?"
It was also reliably learnt that Sania's mother Naseema and a former managing director of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh had approached officials regarding the allotment of land.
The chief minister, who was kept in the dark about these developments, was said to have expressed his displeasure over the turn of events.
"Whenever someone like Sania meets the chief minister, the latter should be well informed about the agenda. This was not the case when Sania met him," the source said.
Perhaps, at a time when top sportspersons like Koneru Humpy and Pentyala Harikrishna are struggling to find sponsors, the government knows that doling out more sops to Sania will only invite severe criticism.
Clearly taken aback by the request, the chief minister assured the player that her request would receive due consideration and advised her to concentrate more on her game.
Sources in the CM's office told TOI that Sania, the biggest beneficiary of the previous government's largesse, assured the CM that 2007 would be eventful as she intends to hire a foreign coach.
The source, however, made it clear that the government was in no mood to consider Sania's request: "She is still very young. Maybe the soaring land prices in the city prompted her to come up with such a request.
The government had already given her more than Rs 1 crore and a 500 square yard site in Jubilee Hills. She is also getting a lot of money through endorsements. What more does she need?"
It was also reliably learnt that Sania's mother Naseema and a former managing director of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh had approached officials regarding the allotment of land.
The chief minister, who was kept in the dark about these developments, was said to have expressed his displeasure over the turn of events.
"Whenever someone like Sania meets the chief minister, the latter should be well informed about the agenda. This was not the case when Sania met him," the source said.
Perhaps, at a time when top sportspersons like Koneru Humpy and Pentyala Harikrishna are struggling to find sponsors, the government knows that doling out more sops to Sania will only invite severe criticism.
Sania signs a style statement
Lotto's Fall Winter range is dedicated to the champ
GAME PLAN: Tennis ace Sania Mirza at the launch of Lotto's Fall Winter'06 Collection in Hyderabad on Friday. — PHOTO: SATISH H.
GAME PLAN: Tennis ace Sania Mirza at the launch of Lotto's Fall Winter'06 Collection in Hyderabad on Friday. — PHOTO: SATISH H.
HYDERABAD: It's all bright and fresh. Lotto - an Italian sportswear brand launched its Fall Winter '06 Sania Signature Collection, with its brand ambassador Sania Mirza endorsing the products here on Friday.
According to the company the range includes a range of lively, stylish and comfortable clothing like T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, lowers, capris etc. Lotto has introduced bags and caps also for the first time.
The sportswear company has dedicated the entire FW '06 women's range to Sania.
All the apparels bear her signature giving "unique opportunity" to the consumer to wear the same style which Sania endorses, said K.V.S. Unni, Head- (India), Lotto Sports Italia.
Speaking to the reporters, Sania said, "I am happy to be involved with something so good and different. Rarely do we become a part of the process of designing our own wear. I thank Lotto for making the collection happen."
Sania needs to reach semis to meet Hingis
SPORT SANIA DRAW PRINT EMAIL
Sania needs to reach semis to meet Hingis
KOLKATA, SEP 16 (PTI)
A possible mouthwatering clash between Indian ace Sania Mirza and world No 9 Martina Hingis of Switzerland in the USD 175,000 WTA Sunfeast Open will have to wait till the semifinal stage.
Sania, seeded fifth, has got an easy opening round outing against a qualifier while top-seeded Hingis would be up against world number 84 Melinda Czink of Hungary, as per the draw of lots for the main tournament, which begins on Monday.
Czink, who had taken the fizz out of the Sunfeast Open last year by conquering crowd favourite Sania in the second round, has been in good form of late and could pose a few problems for title favourite Hingis.
Sania, whose ranking has plummeted to 70 after a series of lacklustre shows, would face the winner of the first round battle between Russian Galina Voskoboeva and Sandra Kloesel of Germany if she gets past the first round.
If the Hyderabadi crosses the hurdle, she could come up against fourth seed French girl Aravane Rezai, who crosses sword with Indian wild card Ankita Bhambri in the lung-opener.
In case Sania pulls off an upset of sorts and Hingis does justice to her reputation, the two could engage in a duel at the pre-summit stage of the tournament.
Among other Indians, 194-ranked Shikha Uberoi, who has got a wild card, face 132-ranked Czech girl Hana Sromova in the first round.
The other wild card entrant, US-born player of Indian origin Sunitha Rao, has a tough opener as she would be up against seventh seed Nicole Pratt of Australia.
Second seed and world No. 50 Croat Karolina Sprem has been drawn against Australian Casey Dellacqua, while third seed Yuliana Fedak of Australia takes on Italian Alberta Brianti in the first round.
Other first round duels include sixth seed Kaia Kanepi of Estonia versus Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn and eighth seed Russian Anastassia Rodionova versus compatriot Alla Kudryavtseva.
Sania needs to reach semis to meet Hingis
KOLKATA, SEP 16 (PTI)
A possible mouthwatering clash between Indian ace Sania Mirza and world No 9 Martina Hingis of Switzerland in the USD 175,000 WTA Sunfeast Open will have to wait till the semifinal stage.
Sania, seeded fifth, has got an easy opening round outing against a qualifier while top-seeded Hingis would be up against world number 84 Melinda Czink of Hungary, as per the draw of lots for the main tournament, which begins on Monday.
Czink, who had taken the fizz out of the Sunfeast Open last year by conquering crowd favourite Sania in the second round, has been in good form of late and could pose a few problems for title favourite Hingis.
Sania, whose ranking has plummeted to 70 after a series of lacklustre shows, would face the winner of the first round battle between Russian Galina Voskoboeva and Sandra Kloesel of Germany if she gets past the first round.
If the Hyderabadi crosses the hurdle, she could come up against fourth seed French girl Aravane Rezai, who crosses sword with Indian wild card Ankita Bhambri in the lung-opener.
In case Sania pulls off an upset of sorts and Hingis does justice to her reputation, the two could engage in a duel at the pre-summit stage of the tournament.
Among other Indians, 194-ranked Shikha Uberoi, who has got a wild card, face 132-ranked Czech girl Hana Sromova in the first round.
The other wild card entrant, US-born player of Indian origin Sunitha Rao, has a tough opener as she would be up against seventh seed Nicole Pratt of Australia.
Second seed and world No. 50 Croat Karolina Sprem has been drawn against Australian Casey Dellacqua, while third seed Yuliana Fedak of Australia takes on Italian Alberta Brianti in the first round.
Other first round duels include sixth seed Kaia Kanepi of Estonia versus Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn and eighth seed Russian Anastassia Rodionova versus compatriot Alla Kudryavtseva.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Sania walks the ramp
Sania Mirza makes news whether she is on or off the tennis court as on Friday, she chose to be on the ramp, wearing clothes she had herself helped design.
Mirza, World number 70, who had enrolled to be a journalist in college but has turned a designer instead.
She herself walked the ramp to show the collection to her home crowd in Hyderabad.
"You will see that we have used a lot of bright colours, just to keep it light and keep the mood going," said Mirza.
Game of more interest
But it is not so much the clothes, but Sania's game itself that is perhaps more of interest or rather concern just now that Sania is slipping in the rankings ladder.
"I have matured as a player. As far as ranking is considered, it is a different thing and it keeps going up and down and there is nothing much I can do about it," said Mirza.
Sania says it does not matter that she has not won a title in 2006.
"I am 19 years old and I am not over the hill that suddenly I need to say that I cannot win a slam in singles. I might retire and I might never win a slam but that is not what we play for. Two years ago, no one ever thought I would be in the top 31 and again you are back to square one,'' said Mirza.
Sania would be in action before the Kolkotta crowd at the Sunfeast Open that starts next week.
Mirza, World number 70, who had enrolled to be a journalist in college but has turned a designer instead.
She herself walked the ramp to show the collection to her home crowd in Hyderabad.
"You will see that we have used a lot of bright colours, just to keep it light and keep the mood going," said Mirza.
Game of more interest
But it is not so much the clothes, but Sania's game itself that is perhaps more of interest or rather concern just now that Sania is slipping in the rankings ladder.
"I have matured as a player. As far as ranking is considered, it is a different thing and it keeps going up and down and there is nothing much I can do about it," said Mirza.
Sania says it does not matter that she has not won a title in 2006.
"I am 19 years old and I am not over the hill that suddenly I need to say that I cannot win a slam in singles. I might retire and I might never win a slam but that is not what we play for. Two years ago, no one ever thought I would be in the top 31 and again you are back to square one,'' said Mirza.
Sania would be in action before the Kolkotta crowd at the Sunfeast Open that starts next week.
Grand Slam title is not my goal: Sania
Hyderabad, Sep 15 : With her world ranking falling due to disappointing performance this season, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza Friday said her career might end without a Grand Slam title.
Stating that Grand Slam was not her goal and ranking was not her priority, the 19-year-old said she had matured as a player and was enjoying her game.
"I am enjoying the game and there is bound to be some ebb and flow. Two years back no one expected me to break into world top 50. I may or may not win a Grand Slam event but I still enjoy the game," she told newsmen at the launch of `Lotto Fall Winter '06 Signature collection' of Italian sports major Lotto.
Sania Mirza, whose ranking plummeted from an all-time high of 31 to 70 recently, did not agree that her form was as bad as being projected by the media.
"In the game there are going to be ups and downs. The rankings go up and come down. I am concerned about my game and I am enjoying playing it," she said.
Expressing confidence over her fitness levels, Sania hoped to have a good season ahead.
"My fitness levels are fine now. Only that I have some problem with my wrist as it hurts off and on", she said.
Sania, the only Indian to hold WTA title, claimed that she had improved on her serve and fitness and said she was working hard on some grey areas of her game.
"Earlier, I only had a good forehand. Now I have the entire game with me. The competition is also getting tougher. Previously, I was very offensive and that was my biggest weapon. Now I have added some tactical variations which did give some good results," she said.
Asked about playing doubles and mixed doubles, Sania said: "I'm nineteen and it is not time to think about playing doubles. I will be playing in the singles circuit for some more time."
She said she had no objection to playing with anyone for the doubles at Doha Asian Games.
Asked about playing alongside Leander Paes, she said: "I had played with him earlier and I have no objection playing with anyone."
Stating that Grand Slam was not her goal and ranking was not her priority, the 19-year-old said she had matured as a player and was enjoying her game.
"I am enjoying the game and there is bound to be some ebb and flow. Two years back no one expected me to break into world top 50. I may or may not win a Grand Slam event but I still enjoy the game," she told newsmen at the launch of `Lotto Fall Winter '06 Signature collection' of Italian sports major Lotto.
Sania Mirza, whose ranking plummeted from an all-time high of 31 to 70 recently, did not agree that her form was as bad as being projected by the media.
"In the game there are going to be ups and downs. The rankings go up and come down. I am concerned about my game and I am enjoying playing it," she said.
Expressing confidence over her fitness levels, Sania hoped to have a good season ahead.
"My fitness levels are fine now. Only that I have some problem with my wrist as it hurts off and on", she said.
Sania, the only Indian to hold WTA title, claimed that she had improved on her serve and fitness and said she was working hard on some grey areas of her game.
"Earlier, I only had a good forehand. Now I have the entire game with me. The competition is also getting tougher. Previously, I was very offensive and that was my biggest weapon. Now I have added some tactical variations which did give some good results," she said.
Asked about playing doubles and mixed doubles, Sania said: "I'm nineteen and it is not time to think about playing doubles. I will be playing in the singles circuit for some more time."
She said she had no objection to playing with anyone for the doubles at Doha Asian Games.
Asked about playing alongside Leander Paes, she said: "I had played with him earlier and I have no objection playing with anyone."
I am ready to play with anyone: Sania
Photo: PTI
ROLE MODEL: Sania Mirza feels people like her have a role to motivate kids. She played with a few kids at an event to promote the Sunfeast Open.
ROLE MODEL: Sania Mirza feels people like her have a role to motivate kids. She played with a few kids at an event to promote the Sunfeast Open.
MUMBAI: Sania Mirza has put personal choices aside about mixed doubles partners for Doha Asian Games. "I am ready to play with Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Prakash Amritraj or anyone else. It is not my choice. It is the committee which thought that we (Sania-Leander mixed doubles pairing) could do better."
She was facing a volley of questions at Inorbit Mall, Mumbai, as part of a promotion for the Sunfeast Open, to be organised by Globosport in Kolkata.
The hard-hitting Indian was referring to news reports about Leander agreeing to partner her at 2006 Doha Games, leading to Mahesh Bhupathi expressing surprise after being under the impression that Sania would team up with him. Finally, the AITA stepped in and opted to continue with the Busan Asian Games 2002 combination for Doha — Leander Paes and Sania Mirza. Sania said: "I had a phenomenal first year. It is humanely impossible to repeat it year after year. Critics are always there, I am an optimistic person so looking forward to doing better."
"You get figured out after a certain while," Sania said about her game. "It happens to everybody. Even when I am watching opponents' matches, I try to figure out ways to tackle them. It is not a major problem, only a minor one," explained Sania.
She accepts that sportspersons like her have a role to motivate kids through various events. "It is important to have clinics like these where you can meet kids, hit with them. It keeps them motivated. Leander and Mahesh used to be my idols. I still look up to them and remember, as a 12-year-old, getting Mahesh's autograph on a tennis ball when he had visited our academy." Now it is her turn to inspire, hitting with kids on an improvised tennis court set up in the mall lobby, watched by distracted shoppers, the sport freaks among them appearing courtside for a closer look.
I'm not as bad as being projected: Sania
Hyderabad, September 15: Tennis sensation Sania Mirza expressed confidence over her fitness levels, barring a minor problem with her wrist and hopes to have a good season ahead despite her fall in rankings."My fitness levels are fine now. Only that I have some problem with my wrist as it hurts on and off," Sania said during a promotional programme.
Sania, the solitary WTA title holder in the country, said she has matured as a player now and was working hard on some grey areas of her game.
"Earlier, I only had a good forehand. Now I have the entire game with me so is also the competition getting tougher," Sania, who slipped to 70 in the world ranking due to not so impressive recent performances, said. Brushing aside the talk of the form, the former Wimbledon junior doubles champion said, "in the game there are going to be ups and downs. The rankings go up and come down. I am concerned about my game and I am enjoying playing it." Sania said she did not feel that her form was as bad as being projected by the media.
"I am enjoying the game. There is bound to be some ebb and flow. Two years back no one expected me to break into world top 50. I may or may not win a Grand Slam even but still I enjoy the game," she said.
Sania, the solitary WTA title holder in the country, said she has matured as a player now and was working hard on some grey areas of her game.
"Earlier, I only had a good forehand. Now I have the entire game with me so is also the competition getting tougher," Sania, who slipped to 70 in the world ranking due to not so impressive recent performances, said. Brushing aside the talk of the form, the former Wimbledon junior doubles champion said, "in the game there are going to be ups and downs. The rankings go up and come down. I am concerned about my game and I am enjoying playing it." Sania said she did not feel that her form was as bad as being projected by the media.
"I am enjoying the game. There is bound to be some ebb and flow. Two years back no one expected me to break into world top 50. I may or may not win a Grand Slam even but still I enjoy the game," she said.
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