Maria Sharapova misses Sania Mirza in the singles category – Tennis News
World number two, Maria Sharapova, took some time out to speak to the local media representatives of India during her short term visit to the native land of Sania Mirza. She talked about the number one tennis start of that region
and complimented her with some tremendous remarks. She rues to not seeing Mirza in the singles category anymore but understands the difficulty of maintaining an impressive status in both singles as well as doubles.
She confessed to a media reporter, “It takes so much both mentally and physically to play in two formats. It becomes difficult to give equal attention to singles and doubles. It has been long since we played but she was a great
talent. I am really happy that she is doing well in doubles. It is hard to continue with both formats. Sometimes you got to choose one.” Sharapova played the Indian tennis icon on two different occurrences in the singles match including one fourth round face-off
in the US Open 2005.
Sharapova further added, “You have to understand that it is not easy to play in both the formats of the game. It is very challenging and sometimes you have to make the choice. The sport has become very physical, even the first
round of the competitions is getting very tough.” Mirza is ranked 280th in the singles category but it was just five years ago when the 25-year-old Indian tennis ace was ranked world number 27 in singles. However, the Indian has managed to secure
a respectable doubles ranking of 12 in the world at the moment and looks to break into the elite Top-10 list next year. It will be interesting to witness her progress at the courts especially considering that she is eyeing a comeback in the singles play as
well.
The 25-year-old Russian ended the season with a final loss at the Women Tennis Association Championships in Istanbul. She surpassed one hurdle in the semi-finals but couldn’t power down the second major performer of the season.
Reigning world number one, Victoria Azarenka, lost to the Russian superstar in straight sets at Istanbul but 15-time Grand Slam Champion, Serena Williams, continued to keep a clean sheet against Sharapova to claim the year-end title that was the seventh trophy
of the season along with a gold medal at London Olympics. Sharapova will look to solve the puzzle of the 31-year-old American in the new season that commences from the first month of 2013.
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