Australian Open: Indian sports fraternity lauds Sania Mirza on conclusion of 'glorious grand slam career'
New Delhi, January 27: The sporting world praised star Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, who finished her Grand Slam career on a high note by finishing runner-up in the mixed doubles competition at the ongoing Australian Open.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna finished second in the Australian Open mixed doubles final to Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos of Brazil on Friday at Melbourne Park. The Brazilian duo completed their first Grand Slam.
Sania's "glorious Grand Slam career" inspired a whole generation of tennis talent in India and abroad, according to legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
"Many congratulations on a glorious career at the Grand Slam @MirzaSania. You have inspired a whole generation of tennis talent in India & beyond. Wishing you the best of everything in life. You have made proud. Well played!," Tendulkar said on Twitter.
Former Indian batting legend Mithali Raj praised tennis star for giving "everything to tennis and to women's sports".
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"Congratulations on an amazing career, @MirzaSania! You've given your everything to tennis and to women's sports. It's an iconic legacy indeed. It was always a pleasure to watch you play & watch you become the champion that you are. Best wishes for your future endeavours," Mithali tweeted.
"Congratulations @MirzaSania on a wonderful career. Thank you for your service to Indian sport and for inspiring millions of girls to take up sport!" Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra said on Twitter.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat also praised the tennis star for inspiring "an entire generation of young Indian girls how to dream".
"Thank you,@MirzaSania for teaching an entire generation of young Indian girls how to dream, I was one of them. You have always played with enormous passion throughout the challenges. Your legacy means a lot to Indian sportswomen. Respect and congratulations!!!," Phogat said on Twitter.
Cricketer Harbhajan Singh said, "Best wishes @MirzaSania as you bid farewell to your highly successful #GrandSlam career. History of #tennis will be incomplete without you. I am sure your life beyond the Tennis court will be as interesting as your accomplishments in sports."
- ANI
