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"Disclaimer, if I cry it is happy tears, not sad tears," said an emotional Sania Mirza after her glittering Grand Slam career came to an end on January 27 (Friday). Indian veteran pairing of Sania and Rohan Bopanna sustained a gut-wrenching defeat against Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos of Brazil in the 2023 Australian Open Mixed Double final on Friday. The Indians were defeated in straight sets 7-6 (7-2), 6-2. As a result, Sania will end her career with six Grand Slam titles after failing to win the Australian Open mixed doubles title at Rod Laver Arena. Coming into her final Major tournament, Sania had three women's doubles and as many mixed doubles trophies in her cabinet.
The Indian trailblazer bid an emotional goodbye as she reflected on her Grand Slam journey and thanked all those who played a major role in her success.
"I’m still going to play a few more tournaments, but the journey of my professional career started in Melbourne in 2005, when I played Serena Williams in the third round as an 18-year-old," Sania continued
"I’ve had the privilege to come back here again and again, win some tournaments here, play some great finals … Rod Laver Arena has really been special in my life. I couldn’t think of a better arena to finish my career at Grand Slams.
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"I never thought I would be able to play in front of my child in a Grand Slam final, so it’s truly special for me to have my 4-year-old here, my parents here," the 36-year-old added.
Sania's mixed doubles partner Rohan, who has watched the former's evolution from the very beginning, voiced his gratitude towards the 36-year-old legend.
"It’s truly special for me to play with Sania. Our first mixed doubles together was when she was 14 years old, and we happened to win the title. Today, we get to play the last Grand Slam match in Rod Laver Arena. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win the title, but thank you for all you’ve done for Indian tennis," Bopanna said.
"Not only Indian tennis, but inspiring each and every one across the world for playing tennis at the highest level for so many, so many years. It really shows the dedication and hard work you’ve put in, through and through. Congratulations for a fantastic career," he added.
