Sania Mirza, India’s top tennis player, says that being a mother and a professional athlete is difficult but rewarding in the end. She also believes that once one puts their mind and soul into a dream, “the sky is the limit.” Sania spoke with ANI about her next run in 2021, her aspirations for Ankita Raina, the tennis season next year, and much more. “Being a mother and a professional athlete, I believe, is both difficult and rewarding. To be in this position of competing at the greatest level, I’ve had to put in a lot of effort,” Sania remarked.
“I don’t really care about the naysayers, but I want to tell young women out there who want to be mothers or are mothers that nothing can stop you if you put your mind to it,” she added. As per NDTV.
“If you work hard, put in a lot of effort, the sky’s the limit. Do not try to kill your own dream just because you have a baby. You can still follow your dream and be a great mother,” she said.
Sania spoke on her 2021 campaign, in which she and Ankita Raina will represent India in the Tokyo Olympics, “I think 2021 was a good year for India because I competed in my fourth Olympics and reached the finals and semi-finals. I’ve only competed in five or six tournaments this year, so it’s been a wonderful year.”
“At the very least, I’m in a better place than last year, and I’m hoping to build on the final I played in Cleveland a few weeks ago. From then, it’s all uphill,” she continued.
“The Olympics are always special, it is always unbelievable to represent your country and that is something I have been able to do for many many years and I feel extremely privileged and grateful to be able to do that,” she said.
“This time it was a bit different because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rules but playing for the country has been the biggest honour,” she added.
The 34-year-old may have only competed in two Grand Slams in 2021, but she plans to compete in all four next year now that she has gained some momentum.
“Although next year is a long way off, the aim is to participate. I was only able to play in two Grand Slams this year, and it was challenging to travel and keep up with everything. Next year, I’d like to gain more momentum and play more weeks throughout the year, ideally, all of the Grand Slams,” Sania stated.
Sania has nothing but positive things to say about Ankita Raina and believes the 28-year-old will breakthrough soon.
“Ankita is a girl who is superior to all the other girls in the country. She is far superior to them, and she competes in the WTA on a regular basis, at least in the lesser tournaments. She understands what she needs to do to take the next step. Let’s hope she’ll be able to get there sooner rather than later. She is a highly diligent young lady who puts forth a lot of effort. That, I believe, is her greatest asset,” Sania stated.
