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Journalism of Courage
Barely taller than the racquet she was carrying then, as a six-year-old, Sania Mirza8217;s first coach told her she was too small for tennis.
Twelve years on, the 18-year-old Hyderabadi has just given Indian women8217;s tennis its biggest break ever.
Her third round entry in the Australian Open8212;the first Indian woman to do so in a Grand Slam8212;has also set up another first, at least for her: a showdown against mega star Serena Williams.
Not that she seems unduly worried about the 8216;8216;biggest match8217;8217; of her life.
8216;8216;Well, she won in 48 minutes today and conceded three games. I won in 50 minutes and also conceded three games. So who knows what is in store next?8217;8217; Sania told The Indian Express after the World No. 1668217;s 6-2, 6-1 win over 80th-ranked Petra Mandula of Hungary8212;a top-30 player once.
8216;8216;The way I see it, I have nothing to lose. Serena will be playing a wild card in front of millions of people watching across the world, someone who she is expected to beat easily8230;all the pressure is on her,8217;8217; says Sania.
The next match mapped out, the 18-year-old is more keen to talk about the past and 8216;Team Sania8217; in her moment of glory.
It was a journey that started when her businessman father, Imran, carved out an unconventional career for his daughter in an expensive sport. Mother Naseen played the travelling coach in the wonder years, which Sania reveals helped her a lot but not her younger sister Anam. 8216;8216;Because most of the attention and resources were spent on me, Anam had a difficult childhood,8217;8217; says Sania.
Then, it8217;s time to thank her first 8216;8216;serious8217;8217; coach Narendranath who spotted the spark in the girl.
8216;8216;A real big-hitter, she was hitting harder than the boys of her age,8217;8217; recalls Narendranath, the former national champ.
While natural talent gave her success at junior level8212;she won the Wimbledon doubles in 20038212;the requirements of a professional circuit were much more. In stepped Krishna Bhupathi and all his experience of guiding son Mahesh through the cut-throat world of pro-tennis.
From planning schedules to training methods and signing endorsements, the Bhupathi finishing school had it all. 8216;8216;We had a perfect step by step graduation planned for her,8217;8217; says Bhupathi.
In fact, Sania recalls how Mahesh, who doubles as her part-time coach during the Slam events, requested top coach Brad Gilbert to watch her. Gilbert, who had wards like Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, gave his verdict: 8216;8216;She is potentially fit for the Tour.8217;8217;
As Sania proved today, Gilbert was bang on spot. 8216;8216;Obviously it is wonderful to do well at your first Grand Slam, but I am not here to make up the numbers, I am here to win events.8217;8217;
