It's official. Sania Mirza is now a star. To clear up any doubts, ask the 16-year-old Hyderabadi how she felt as she came out of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Aiport early on Tuesday morning. Mobbed by mediapersons, India’s first female Grand Slam winner couldn’t help pinch herself. ‘‘It was quite surprising. I didn’t expect, at 1 am, that 500 people would be waiting to meet me.’’ Done with giving her media bytes, Sania, who has now moved to No 4 spot in the world junior doubles’ individual ranking, switched into personal mode, meeting friends and relatives — including her ailing grandmother — in Mumbai, where she was born and still has family, en route to Hyderabad, where her parents now live. More relaxed, on home turf, Sania spoke to The Indian Express about her Wimbledon doubles partner Alisa Kleybanova and her future plans How did you run into Alisa Kleybanova? Was it a planned move? No, it wasn’t. Actually, I wasn’t sure who would be my partner. But I bumped into her (Kleybanova) and we decided then to play doubles. It still wasn’t sewn up; one day she came saying ‘sorry not possible’ and the very next day there was a ‘yes’. Next thing I knew, we were playing the top-seeds. You’ve had two doubles partners, Sanaa Bhambri (French Open) and Kleybanova. How would they compare? Both are good in their own way. Actually there’s not much difference between the two. While Sanaa is very good on clay, Alisa does well on grass. I was essentially looking for a partner who was good on grass and, touch wood, things clicked with Alisa. So will Kleybanova continue to partner you at the US Open? Alisa wants to take a break, so she’s opted out of the US Open. But I haven’t had the time to think of any prospective partner. I will first get there (New York) and then decide. Your contemporaries in the US and Europe are playing professionally and doing well. Are you satisfied with where you are? One cannot compare Indians with players from the US or Europe. They have a good set-up, facilities and coaches, so they come prepared. We will definitely take some time because the system is getting better here. fortunately I’ve been able to train with a few good Indian coaches. What about future plans? I’m not going to pick up a racquet for a week now (laughs). Instead, slowly get back on the courts and then move to Bangalore or go to the US for training and keep myself in shape. A warm-up tournament before the US Open is very much on the cards. And the champions’ dinner? Did Serena Williams or any other stars speak to you? Well actually I spoke primarily to Leander and Mahesh. Serena and the others were way ahead in the front row and so there was no chance to talk to them.
