Sania Mirza is hopeful for a wild card entry at the Olympics – Tennis News
After winning the French Open mixed doubles crown, Sania Mirza is hopeful that she will get a wild card entry at the London Olympics in July.
Mirza and her countryman, Mahesh Bhupathi, outplayed the Polish-Mexican combination of Klaudia Jans-Ignacik and Santiago Gonzalez in straight sets 7-6(3), 6-1 to win the Roland Garros mixed doubles title on Thursday.
Mirza had to wait for three years for her second Major trophy, as she won her first one also with Bhupathi at the 2009 Australian Open.
The Indian duo played tremendously well throughout the French Open and thrashed all of their opponents. Seeded seventh in the draw, Mirza and Bhupathi overpowered second seeds, Kveta Peschke and Mike Bryan, in straight sets 6-2,
6-3 in the quarter-finals.
They have emerged as one of the best mixed doubles team and will be favourites if Mirza gets a wild card entry. The Indian said, “Each day is a new day in tennis but we have made it clear that we are the team to beat any tournament.”
The Indian beauty thinks that she has proved by winning the French Open title that she deserves to play at the Olympics. She failed to qualify for the London Games, as she lost in the first round of the women doubles event at the
Roland Garros.
Mirza had to be in the top-10 of women’s doubles rankings to be able to play at the Olympics but she fell outside. The reason for the top-10 compulsion is that there is no other high ranked Indian female player and only the best
10 can choose the partner of their choice. At the London Olympics, players who will be participating in the women’s singles or doubles event will only be allowed to play in the mixed doubles.
The Indian star said, “I think winning the French Open title is an achievement in itself. We have shown once again that we are a tough team to beat. I am hopeful about a wild card at the Olympics.”
Sania will now make the transition from clay court to grass courts. She added, "I have to keep the rhythm going and hopefully we can win a few more slams. And if we go to the Olympics and make it there - obviously try to win a
medal there."
The Indian flag bearer at the women’s circuit will take part in the AEGON Classic in Birmingham from next week.
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