Sania Mirza, a famous tennis star player, and India’s first women’s tennis superstar announced her retirement. She said that the 2022 season will be the last. She has been an idol for many around the world.
At the opening of the Australian Open, she lost a doubles event. After the opening loss, she announced her retirement. She cited that her recovery is taking longer due to her age. She also said that she could be putting her 3-year old son at risk by traveling so much.
“There are a few reasons for it. It’s not as simple as ‘okay I’m not going to play. I do feel my recovery is taking longer, I’m putting my 3-year-old son at risk by traveling so much with him, that’s something I have to take into account.” Sania announced. “I think my body is wearing down. My knee was hurting today and I’m not saying that’s the reason we lost but I do think that it is taking time to recover as I’m getting older,” she added.
Mirza has won six Grand Slams and also ranked first in the WTA doubles category. She is also the first Indian to enter the top 30 in the WTA singles category. Sania Mirza wanted to inspire millions of mothers to follow their dreams. She worked hard to lose the weight and return to playing.
“Also for me to find that motivation every day to come out. The energy is not the same anymore. There are more days than there used to be where I don’t feel like doing that. I’ve always said that I will play until I enjoy that grind, the process which I’m not sure I’m enjoying as much anymore,” she said.
“Having said that, I still want to play the season because I’m enjoying it enough to play the year. I’ve worked very hard to come back, get fit, lose weight and try to set a good example for mothers, new mothers to follow their dreams as much as they can. Beyond this season, I don’t feel my body doing it. It’s beat.”