Fun is a subjective term: Sania Mirza

Tennis star Sania Mirza’s autobiography Ace Against Odds was launched at an event in the capital by Bollywood actress and dear friend to the sports sensation, Parineeti Chopra. While sharing her experience of writing the book, Sania spoke about her journey to becoming India’s top ranked tennis player, her marriage to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and more. Excerpts from the conversation:

My Story, My Words Talking about penning an autobiography so early in her life, Sania says, “Being a public figure, a lot has been said and written about me over the past fifteen years. It was important for me to come out with my version of my journey. My fans deserve to know that off court, like every other person, I experience emotions too. This book is an account of the Sania Mirza the world doesn’t know much of.”

Breaking stereotypes Parineeti pointed out that she shares a very close relationship with Sania because the latter’s stardom has not affected her as an individual. “She doesn’t know she’s a star! I think the best part of our friendship is that we do not see each other in terms of our professional success but as individuals who have a lot in common,” said Parineeti, adding, “Both of us belong to humble homes and opted for professional choices very unconventional for girls. It is hard to establish oneself and then achieve what we have and yet there’s a lot more to do!”

Sania, on her part, shared, “I started playing at the age of six and I am sure nobody in the country would’ve thought that a 16-year-old girl could win Wimbledon. When I decided to take up tennis as my career, it was a difficult choice for everyone in my family but they supported me through thick and thin. Against all odds, we took a step that was in many ways against the norms of society. With many women taking up sports now, an impact is being made on the mindsets of people and the industry as well.”

Giving and receiving Affirming that she is a very private person Sania said, “I have never spoken about my struggles and obstacles because I didn’t want to make it sound like a rags to riches story. Unfortunately, India does not have a sports culture like China or Russia and belonging to a middle class family, I didn’t receive any aid from the government before Wimbledon happened. But we are moving towards providing assistance to sportspersons and I hope to contribute in every possible way.”

Controversy and conversation On the controversy surrounding her marriage with Shoaib Malik, Sania joked, “As a couple we wanted to be happy but we didn’t know we were making a political statement by falling in love! Our marriage was under the public glare and received unnecessary speculation from the media because of something as trivial as nationality.”

She admitted, “I have never spoken about my feelings on this matter but through the book I’ve tried to convey what I was going through.” Parineeti cheered her on and affirmed that she considers Sania’s love story to be Bollywood style, like a sequel to Veer- Zara!

Team Sania When Parineeti urged Sania to talk about her fun moments on and off court, the latter revealed, “Fun is a very subjective term. It goes without saying that I enjoy playing tennis and that’s why I am good at it. On court, the game demands physical and emotional energy and the desire to win is constantly burning. But yes, I like getting drained after a match as it gives me a sense of achievement. Off court, I have a lot of friends and we have a good time. Also, Martina and I share a good equation and we unwind after the matches. This chemistry also helps us during difficult moments in a match.” The tennis champ also shared that she has had to face moments when the line between throwing in the towel and returning to the court has blurred. She said, “For me, it is mind over matter. My endurance for pain is very high and unless my tank becomes empty like it happened when I broke my wrist, team Sania does not back out.”

Hola Rio! Looking forward to her upcoming tournaments during the Olympics, Sania affirmed, “The teams have been announced and we are hoping to win medals for the country. For all those who believe that it is only during the Olympics that we play for India, you must know that whenever we lift our racquets we play for India.” Talking about her partnership with Prarthana Thombre, she said, “Let us be realistic and not put too much pressure on her. She’s very young and has great potential but will be competing with champions from across the globe. I hope she has a great experience and maybe next Olympics will be better for her professionally.”

Another Mirza Parineeti revealed that she is keen to play Sania if a biopic is made as she feels that she knows the ace player well and would love to imbibe her characteristics to portray her on screen. However, she added that there is no likelihood of there ever being another like the tennis star in real life, because Sania has a unique personality and style. Sania herself, on the contrary, said, “I want to contribute my share in encouraging people to take up sports professionally and my tennis academy has been created to nurture more Sania Mirza’s for the country.”

Ace Against Odds is co–written by her father Imran Mirza along with sports journalist Shivani Gupta.