Serena in Sania’s world

The difference between the achievements of Serena Williams and Sania Mirza, in terms of game and popularity, is a chasm.

The difference between the achievements of Serena Williams and Sania Mirza, in terms of game and popularity, is a chasm. But they have shared a few experiences in their careers. Sania is still in the early stages of her tennis journey; Serena has been there, done that. Her win in the Australian Open is testimony to the fact that she isn’t going away anytime soon.

Serena has silenced all who said she just doesn’t have it anymore, those who claimed she didn’t care as much about the sport as she did about a possible movie career. She answered with the Australian Open crown.

“It’s a great way to begin the year, that’s for sure. All my life people have been saying things – to me, about me. I’ve had to get used to it. I always want to win, wherever I play — and I kept my focus,” said the Australian Open champ, speaking in a teleconference in the Capital from Florida. “My main aim for this year is to stay healthy. That’s a big goal, and I hope I can achieve it.”

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Sania, too, has had to answer her share of questions, not all of them related to what she does on court.

Sania has been built up like an icon in her country, Serena too is an icon for tennis players everywhere. There are a million strings attached to such star status: for Sania, probably, the length of her skirt or the products she endorses. And Serena has refused to deny herself a life outside the tennis court.

“You have to do what you love doing, it’s as simple as that. Sania is a huge star over there, but she knows she’s a tennis player too. The most important thing is to have fun. I love playing tennis, she does too – and that’s what people have to understand,” she says, when asked about India’s star.

The next stop on the WTA Tour for the younger Williams is right here in Sania Mirza country, at the Bangalore Open which begins on February 12. The time difference is, as she says, ‘crazy’, but such concerns aside, she is looking forward to her first trip to the subcontinent. “I’m excited about playing in a country I’ve never played in before. I’m expecting to have a lot of fun. It’s a beautiful place, I hear, and Bangalore has nice weather too.

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“It’ll be something to play Sania on her home turf, and I’ve noticed she has improved a lot. She plays hard, and who can blame her for that. She’s a strong player, and I’m not quite sure whether she has to be in the other half of the draw to get into the final,” says Serena with a laugh.