Sania Mirza throughout a blended doubles exhibition match in opposition to Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and Zimbabwean Cara Black held to mark her farewell in Hyderabad on March 5, 2023.| Photo Credit: G. Ramakrishna

With "happy tears", Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza on March 5, 2023 ended her path-breaking journey as a participant on the place the place all of it started.

By taking part in in exhibition matches that includes Rohan Bopanna, Yuvraj Singh and her 'finest buddy' Bethanie Mettek Sands, Sania lastly stated goodbye to her illustrious profession on the Lal Bahadur Tennis Stadium, the venue the place she signalled her arrival on the massive stage with a historic WTA singles title triumph practically twenty years in the past.

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The exhibition video games had been watched by eminent personalities, together with union regulation minister Kiren Rijiju and former India cricket workforce captain Mohammed Azharuddin.

Having arrived on the venue in a swanky pink automobile, the 36-year-old Sania was greeted by cheering followers that additionally included outstanding personalities.

Sania, who turned emotional whereas giving her farewell speech, stated the best honour for her has been to play for the nation for 20 years.

Also learn: WTA Dubai Duty Free championship | Sania Mirza ends career with first round defeat

On the event, the six-time Grand Slam winner (three in ladies's doubles and as many in blended doubles) performed two blended doubles exhibition matches and gained each of them.

The venue, the place she had gained some memorable titles, wore a festive look with banners like 'Celebrating The Legacy of Sania Mirza' put up.

Some followers held placards that learn 'thanks for the reminiscences' and 'we'll miss you, Sania'.

Rohan Bopanna takes a selfie together with Sania Mirza and different gamers throughout Sania Mirza’s farewell in Hyderabad on March 5, 2023.| Photo Credit:G. Ramakrishna

Spectators, largely faculty kids, cheered her as she entered the court docket.

"I am so excited to play my last match in front of you all," she stated, talking forward of the match.

Rijiju, who was previously the union sports activities minister, Telangana minister Ok T Rama Rao, Azharuddin and Yuvraj had been among the many visitors current on the venue.

"I have come to Hyderabad for Sania Mirza's send-off, her farewell match. I am delighted to see so many people turning up for this. Sania Mirza is an inspiration not just for Indian tennis but for India sports too," stated Rijiju.

"When I was the sports minister I used to be touch with Sania. I wish her all the very best for her future endeavours." Her relations and buddies had been additionally current on the venue.

After the match, Sania was felicitated by Rama Rao and Telangana sports activities minister V Srinivas Goud.

"The greatest honour for me has been to play for my country for 20 years. It is every athlete's dream to represent their country at the highest level. I was able to do that," Sania, who thanked everybody for supporting her in her journey, stated.

As followers cheered her, Sania turned emotional.

"These are very, very happy tears. I could not have asked for a better send-off," she stated.

Though she could have retired, she goes to be a part of tennis and sports activities in India and in Telangana, she stated.

She hoped that "many, many Sanias" would emerge within the nation.

Azharuddin, whose son is married to Sania's youthful sister Anam, praised her contribution to tennis.

"I think today we are giving a great farewell to Sania. What she has done for tennis for women in India and all over the world, I think, it is an example. I wish her all the best," Azharuddin instructed reporters.

"I know people would want her to continue to play more. But every career has to end. I think she has taken the right decision," he stated.

Several followers stated they really feel unhappy over Sania retiring from skilled tennis.