International Premier Tennis League: Sania keen to partner Rohan Bopanna

Doubles world no. 1 Sania Mirza is enjoying one of her most successful years with two Grand Slam crowns under her belt alongside Martina Hingis among a host of other WTA titles.

Even in the International Premier Tennis League, the Hyderabad lass had impressed one and all with her performance partnering ‘friend’ Rohan Bopanna.

“Rohan is the first person I played mixed doubles with, when I was 14 years old and won my first national title. Over the years, we know each other well and are able to anticipate each other’s games well too, which is the success of our partnership,” said Sania here.

Asked if they would be seen together on the tour at mixed doubles events, pat came the reply, “The beauty about our relationship is that it doesn’t revolve around tennis, he is my best friend off the court too, so it doesn’t mean that I have to play with him all the time.

“But yes, we would play great tennis together. I would love to partner him,” the Hyderabad star said.

Roger Federer, who was part of Indian Aces in the inaugural edition, turned out for UAE Royals for the second season but Sania had no complains as she was happy with Rafael Nadal as his replacement.

“It was great to have had Roger Federer in our team last year, but this year, we have an equally good replacement for him,” said the five-time Grand Slam winner with a grin.

Defending champions Aces kept their no. 1 spot intact even though they lacked star power this year after Gael Monfils pulled out at the last minute with injury and Nadal only playing on four occasions.

“The camaraderie is great in our team. Except Rafael Nadal, we don’t have big names this time. We get along really well and it’s great to keep up the winning form,” she said.

Asked about IPTL’s impact on tennis, Sania said the event brought players closer.

“The IPTL has definitely helped in making friendships on the tour, when I meet Fabrice (Santoro) at tour events now, I talk to him more than before. I have also met some players for the first time here in the IPTL, which is great.

“Tennis is such a lonely sport in that sense, as we travel alone on the tour and solve problems at an individual level. But the IPTL has been different. We are all enjoying the team bonding.”