‘My loved ones always gave me safe space to grow and be myself’: Sania Mirza

Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza has said that her loved ones have always given her a space to grow and be herself.

During a conversation with Abish Mathew of WhatsApp-sponsored amusement ‘The Inner Circle’, Sania said that at a time when she started playing tennis, not many people could dream of playing the sport. “Therefore, it captured everyone’s imagination.”

The tennis ace took to Instagram on Wednesday and shared a clip from the interview, which was aired last week, in which she said that she is very proud of being a sportswoman as she has inspired a lot of girls to opt for sport as a full-time profession.

Speaking about a support system, she said that for years, whenever she won or lost a match, she always messaged her mother and her sister, Anam Mirza, who was also invited to the show.

“It wouldn’t be a long message [but I always contacted them after a match]” said Sania. “I have been very, very fortunate that I have a family that has supported me through everything — through every decision of mine on and off the court.”

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A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar)

She said that knowing that her family, including her mother, sister, father, and her husband, are there for her always gave her a sense of comfort before she stepped onto the court.

Sania also spoke about motherhood and said that it was because of her son, Izhaan Mirza-Malik, that she decided to play tennis again.

“I wanted him to be proud when he understands that his mother didn’t give up on her dreams after she had a baby,” she said. “Also, many people told me I can’t do it, so I had to [show them I can].

Earlier, she took to Instagram to share a video in which she said my son wanted me to “bring him the trophy” and she got him the trophy.

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A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar)