Indian veteran pairing of Sania Mirza 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 January 27 (Friday). The Indians were defeated in straight sets 7-6 (7-2), 6-2. As a result, Sania's glittering Grand Slam career came to an end with six Major titles after she failed 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.
Social media was abuzz with prominent personalities expressing their gratitude towards Sania and her contribution to the game of tennis. Joining the chorus was veteran Pakistan cricketer and Sania's husband, Shoaib Malik, who also penned a heartwarming post for his better half.
"You are the much needed hope for all the women in sports. Super proud of you for all you have achieved in your career. You're an inspiration for many, keep going strong. Many congratulations on an unbelievable career...," Malik said in the Tweet.
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.
"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.
