Sania Mirza
About
The highest-ranked female tennis player from India, Former World No.1 women’s doubles and the first ever Indian to break into the top 30 WTA rankings in singles and top 10 in doubles, Sania Mirza is a professional Indian tennis player and a national icon. She is well-known for her trademark forehand ground strokes and is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential athletes in the history of Indian sports.
From 2003 until her retirement from singles in 2013, she was ranked by the Women’s Tennis Association as India’s highest ranked player, both in singles and doubles.
She has achieved a number of firsts for women’s tennis including surpassing US$1 million in career earnings, winning a singles pro-level title, and winning six major titles, as well as winning WTA Finals in 2014 alongside Cara Black.
She was appointed as the UN women’s goodwill ambassador for South Asia during the event held to mark the International Day to end violence against women in 2013.
One of Sania's most notable partnerships in tennis is her successful doubles career. She has achieved great heights in doubles, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and reaching the pinnacle of the world rankings. Paired with different partners throughout her career, including Martina Hingis and Cara Black, Sania has showcased exceptional teamwork, strategic prowess, and a competitive spirit that has made her one of the best doubles players in the world.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
Sania Mirza’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades and awards. She has received the prestigious ‘Arjuna Award’, ‘Padma Shri’ (one of India’s highest civilian honors), and ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna’, among others.
Sania is the third Indian woman in the Open Era to feature and win a round at a Grand Slam tournament. She has also won a total of 14 medals (including 6 Gold) at three major multi-sport events.
She was named one of the ‘50 Heroes of Asia’ by Time in 2005 and the economic times, named Mirza in the list of the ‘33 Women Who Made India Proud’.
She was also named in Time magazine’s 2016 list of the ‘100 Most Influential People In The World’.
Why Sania Mirza ?
Sania Mirza’s remarkable career and indomitable spirit have left an indelible mark on Indian tennis and have elevated the profile of the sport in the country. Her achievements, determination, and resilience have made her an iconic figure and an inspiration to millions, proving that with talent, hard work, and perseverance, one can achieve greatness and break down barriers.
In addition to her accomplishments on the tennis court, Sania is known for her charismatic personality and positive influence off the court. She has become a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly young girls in India, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their passions without fear.
