Sania :I have a long way to go

Monday, 17 December 2007

Sania Mirza Sania Mirza had a pretty good 2007. But now the 21-year-old is gearing up for new challenges starting with the Hopman Cup later this month. Sania is looking forward to playing in Australia, where she played her first Grand Slam. "I have always had great memories of Australia because that was the first Grand Slam that I ever played, and first time I reached the third round. It has great weather, sun and sport. Melbourne is one of my favourite cities and all the tennis players are eager to go after the break and regrouping. So I am very excited," she says. Reporter: So is the Australian Open the closest to your heart? Sania Mirza: It is the one where I have probably more memories of. But I think the closest is Wimbledon because every child growing up, even I never said to myself that I want to play Australian Open. I always said I wanted to play Wimbledon one day. And I said that I want to play at Centre Court one day and my dream did come true and I think that is why that is more special to me. Reporter: It is also another player's favourite Grand Slam - Roger Federer. So what was the first thing you said to him? Sania Mirza: The first time I ever met him, I actually hit with him for about 5-10 minutes. I was finishing my session and he was starting his session. So he said just warm me, so we warmed up. That's how we met. Reporter: Sania you had a great year. Now 2008 is here and what do you want out of the next year? Sania Mirza: Firstly, I would like to stay injury-free. That is something I wanted to do this year but I had a freak accident and I missed three months and I regret that. I don't want to do that again. My second goal is that I want to give all that I have now. I have not set a goal in terms of rankings. But in terms of how good I can be and how much I can improve. There are certain areas that I want to add and to strengthen. Reporter: Are you planning something for 2008? Do you say to yourself that these are the tournaments I will concentrate on and this is how I will pace myself? Sania Mirza: Every tournament is as important as the other. Off course you want to peak at the Grand Slams because that is obviously a Slam. Besides that the only thing that you are probably planning ahead is that you don't want to be too tired for a Slam so I just want to take it easy maybe a week before the Slam and just practice. Reporter: What do you think separates you from a player in the top 10? Sania Mirza: When you are in top 10 or top 20 or even top 50, I think anyone can beat anyone. It depends on how you are playing on a particular day. But I think maybe physically I still need to work. I have a long way to go and when I do that I will hopefully be in top 10. Reporter: What does it mean to be associated with a company like Deutsche Bank? Sania Mirza: We have been together for a couple of year and every time I meet the people here, it feels like a family and also the fact that we follow the same motto in life i.e. passion to perform. Reporter: Now a rapid fire session: Deustche Bank? Sania Mirza: Looks like we are great partners. Reporter: Doubles? Sania Mirza: Much easier than singles and fun to play. Reporter: First love? Sania Mirza: Akshay Kumar. Reporter: Tennis? Sania Mirza: My passion and profession. Reporter: World No. 1 Sania Mirza: Every one's dream and not every one makes it. Hopefully one day.

 

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