Not thinking of partnering Paes for Olympics now: Sania Mirza
Kolkata, Nov 26: World No.1 doubles tennis player Sania Mirza on Wednesday said she is not presently thinking of partnering Leander Paes in the Olympics which will be held in Brazil in 2016.
“For me, the Olympics are still six to seven months away and I am not thinking about it right now. We will see and take a call when the Olympics are close but the best team should be put forward. A month or two earlier we might see to it,” she told reporters here after a Tennis Masters contest where she partnered Mahesh Bhupati to edge past Paes and Martina Navratilova 7-5, 7-5.
“There are still three Slams to go before the Olympics, and as tennis players we don’t have the luxury of preparing for the Olympics six months before the event. But we will try and win a medal for the country,” she said. Mirza also said there is immense pressure on her and Martina Hingis each time they enter the court in a doubles event. The duo earlier this year pocketed the Wimbledon and US Open.
“Everytime we (Mirza and Hingis) step on the court, there is pressure on us. Every team wants to beat us. It would be great if we can win a slam next year but then it is not easy to win a calendar slam. We are confident but then again we can’t take things for granted. You have to keep on improving,” said the Hyderbad born talent.
“You have to keep on fighting, no matter how good you become. She (Hingis) always gives her best. I would want to win more, if you stop wanting to win then that is where you lack motivation,” she said. Asked about Indian tennis, Mirza said: “It is more achievable now. The youngster believe if Sania can do it then why can’t we? You see Yuki got into the top 100 and there are a few women in the top 300. So things are improving.”
“Everything takes time to build. It does not happen overnight. Hopefully in next three four years, we will have Indians competing at the world events more regularly.” Paes, who was at the conference sitting beside Mirza, also pointed out the Indian youngsters need to believe in themselves, work hard and only then they can have the success.
“This has been a phenomenal year for Indian tennis. First Asian woman to be World No.1 in doubles I guess. This will give belief to others. We are not that far off.”
“The youngsters need to work hard and belief in themselves. Where you see me now is because of the hard work I have put in for the last 10 years.” (IANS)