Sania Mirza Exits the Australian Open

On Friday, February 4th,  Mirza reached the end of her Grand Slam journey. Sania Mirza, a sporting legend, played her final Grand Slam match after reaching the Australian Open mixed doubles final alongside childhood friend Rohan Bopanna, giving an emotional speech at Rod Laver Arena. 

“I just want to start by saying that if I cry, these are happy tears,” warm applause from the audience followed what she said. 

Sania said, “I’m still going to play a couple more tournaments, but the journey of my professional career started in Melbourne in 2005…” Mirza paused, overcome with emotion.

“…It began when I played Serena Williams in the third round as an 18-year-old here,” she continued. 

“That was, scarily enough, 18 years ago, and I have the privilege to come back here again and again, and win some tournaments and play some great finals amongst you all.

Rod Laver Arena has really been special in my life. I couldn’t think of a better arena to finish my career at than the Grand Slams, so thank you so much for making me feel at home here.”

The occasion was extra special given the attendance of Mirza’s family and son Izhaan Mirza Malik, who was born in 2018. It was a fittingly big stage for a farewell.

“I never thought I would be able to play in front of my child in a Grand Slam final,” she said, having missed two full seasons for maternity leave. “It’s truly special for me to have my four-year-old here.” The legendary tennis player will always live on throughout history.