Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza burst into tears as her glorious Grand Slam career came to an end following her and partner Rohan Bopanna's 7-6, 6-2 defeat to Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos of Brazil in the Australian Open Mixed Doubles final on Friday.
Sania and Bopanna made a strong start in the contest, matching Stefani and Matos shot for shot in the early exchanges, especially in the first set. However, once the Brazilian pair got the better of the Indians in the first set tiebreaker, there was no looking back for them as they quickly sealed victory in an hour and 27 minutes.
Sania and Bopanna made a strong start in the contest, matching Stefani and Matos shot for shot in the early exchanges, especially in the first set. However, once the Brazilian pair got the better of the Indians in the first set tiebreaker, there was no looking back for them as they quickly sealed victory in an hour and 27 minutes.
As the match concluded, Sania congratulated Stefani and Matos for their maiden Grand Slam title. But, as she began speaking about her tennis career, the six-time Major winner couldn't hold back her emotions.
"My professional career started in Melbourne… I couldn't think of a better arena to finish my [Grand Slam] career at. Rod Laver Arena has been special. Never thought I'd be able to play in a Grand Slam final, in front of my son," she said at the trophy presentation ceremony at Melbourne Park.
Her tears even made fans inside the stadium and back home in India emotional with many taking to Twitter to laud their favorite sports star.
"Deserves huge applause, what a fantastic career she has had, great legendary career Sania Mirza," a fan wrote on Twitter.
"Thank you Sania for everything you achieved for India and yourself! you will remain an icon for Indian youth for ages to come!" another added.
"It is because of players like you that the Indian flag was flying high in such important Grand Slams. Thanks for all the wonderful memories," a third remarked.
Before the start of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sania had announced that it would be the last Grand Slam tournament of her career. The 36-year-old tennis ace, however, will completely hang her boots next month in Dubai where she will take part in her final WTA event.
Speaking about Sania's on-court credentials, the Australian Open mixed doubles final this afternoon was the 11th Grand Slam title clash of her career.
She has a total of 43 WTA doubles titles to her name, including six Grand Slam crowns, and is the only Indian woman to win at least a Major trophy at all four Grand Slams, namely the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open.
Besides, Sania also held the No.1 ranking in women's doubles for 91 weeks.