Gearing up for her ace

Sania Mirza hopes that her biography will inspire a generation of tennis players.

After having written a page in the history of women’s tennis in India, Sania Mirza is all set to serve another ace. Ace Against Odds, her biography that encapsulates her modest beginnings and the surge to the top, is set to be launched in the first week of July.

“I hope the book is a useful roadmap to guide the next generation of tennis players from India. If my story can inspire even one youngster to the heights of winning a Grand Slam in the future, I will feel blessed,” Sania is quoted on its cover.

The book, co-authored by Sania’s father Imran and journalist Shivani Gupta, is published by Harper Collins. “The book contains 40 chapters and deals with her struggle to the top that has been wrought with countless challenges — physical, professional and mental,” says Imran, who has headed Sania’s support team through her career.

It has been a long time-coming though, thanks to the regular addition of cheerful chapters. “Every time I wanted to release my book there was something important or the other happening in my life. It’s been a long ride but a fantastic journey,” Sania says of her doubles Grand Slam titles, World No. 1 ranking and a resplendent run of 41-consecutive victories with partner Martina Hingis that delayed the launch.

From the easy-going girl who giggled a lot to being tough as nails, the 29-year-old has indeed come a long way. She has had her share of controversies too, be it fatwas issued for advertising shoots at mosques, her dressing sense, her alleged disrespect to the national flag, or marriage with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.

“They hurt much. This book gives me a chance to project my side of the story,” she said.

“It covers all aspects of Sania’s career,” Imran said of the book that has taken almost five years to be penned. That’s game, set and match of course.