This was Sania’s last career appearance at a Grand Slam. The tennis legend bids goodbye with 6 Grand Slam titles on her resume.
Sania and Rohan Bopanna lost 6-7, 2-6 to Brazilian pair Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos in the Mixed Doubles final that took place at Rod Laver Arena early Friday morning India time.
Interestingly, as Sania herself pointed out after their semi-final victory, Bopanna was her first Mixed Doubles partner when she was 14 years old. Sania is now 36 years old and Bopanna is 42 years old.
Sania, who has won six Grand Slam doubles – triples in the mix, including 2009 Australian Open – reportedly, will retire next month after a tournament in Dubai.
“Disclaimer, if I cry it’s tears of happiness,” Sania said. “I don’t want to take away the moment from Matos-Stefani, who deserves this.”
“My pro career started in Melbourne… I can’t think of a better arena to complete [Grand Slam] career… https://t.co/7l6oRzlGfV
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1674788045000
Sani’s Grand Slam journey begins and ends in Melbourne.
The 36-year-old made her first appearance at a Grand Slam tournament 18 years ago in Melbourne, when she was beaten by 2005 champion Serena Williams in a singles draw in a third-round match.
“I’ve had the honor of being back here many times, winning some tournaments and playing some great finals… Rod Laver Arena is truly special in my life and I can’t believe it. out a better arena to end his career. career at a Grand Slam,” added Sania.
“It was really special for me to play with Sania,” said Bopanna, 42. “Unfortunately we couldn’t win the title, but thank you very much for what you did for Indian tennis.”
Pioneers for women in sports 🇮🇳🎾Thanks Sania ❤️@MirzaSania • #AusOpen • #AO2023 https://t.co/hVArmoOhmV
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1674788239000
🔹6 Grand Slam titles in career🔹2014 US Open Mixed Doubles Champion🔹2015 US Open Women’s Doubles ChampionCongratulations… https://t.co/YMp2AH8tmo
– US Open tennis (@usopen) 1674787880000
Congratulations @MirzaSania on a great career. Thank you for serving Indian sport and inspiring millions… https://t.co/Yl8zupWNnZ
– Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) 1674794168000
Well played @MirzaSania. You still make us proud. A final in your last Slam is something to be proud of
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 1674787597000
Step onto the stage GREAT 😎@MirzaSania | #AusOpen https://t.co/WxoAsTYfin
– wta (@WTA) 1674780492000
Congratulations @MirzaSania @rohanbopanna for winning the Mixed Doubles Open Runner Up!Sania… https://t.co/PcNTBJFanw
– Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) 1674795017000
