Mumbai: Not satisfied with winning the WTA Finals doubles crown with Zimbabwean Cara Black and a clutch of other prestigious titles this year, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza on Thursday said she wants to clinch the women's doubles Grand Slam title before hanging up her tennis shoes.
"I am definitely looking for that women's doubles Grand Slam. I have won the world championship now, have won the mixed doubles title three times. I am definitely looking forward to a women's doubles Grand Slam and, hopefully, that happens before I stop playing," Sania said.
She was a finalist at the 2011 French Open with her Russian partner Elena Vesnina. The 28-year-old from Hyderabad has had her share of injuries. She almost thought her career was over in 2010.
"None of my injuries were because I was unfit really. My wrist was suffering because of the bone condition that I have and my joints are extremely mobile. I thought my career was over in 2010 when I wasn't able to comb my hair for six months. For me, this is a second life to my career," she said.
Sania said she is excited to partner Chinese Taipei's Su-Wei Hsieh in women's doubles next year after ending her successful partnership with Black.
"Me and Cara, we played really well. We have had a great year and I am looking forward to a new relationship to be built on that and hopefully have a great year," she said.
Asked how difficult it is to play with a new partner, Sania said, "It is a little hard. It is not devastating but it is a little hard. You need to understand each other. Hopefully get along with each other on and off the court. If you get along off the court then it is better. But you have to work on it like any other relationship."
The Hyderabad star will be next seen in action in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) where she would be in the same team as Swiss veteran Roger Federer. She said the IPTL and Vijay Amritraj's Champions Tennis League would help the sport in the country.
