Sania was overcome with emotion as she gave her moving departure speech after the match, more so because of the goodbye than the loss.
The scenario was set for Sania Mirza’s Grand Slam career to have a fairytale conclusion. The Indian pair battled their way to the final of the mixed doubles competition at Rod Laver Arena on Friday, losing 6-7(2) 2-6 to the Brazilian team of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Mataos. The Indian pair had entered the Australian Open as an unseeded pair alongside Rohan Bopanna in what was dubbed the “Last Dance.” But more than the defeat, it was the farewell that brought tears to Sania’s eyes during her tearful departure address after the game.
Sania ought to have been watching the final from home if everything had gone as she had anticipated when she had planned it at Melbourne Park the previous year. Prior to announcing earlier this month that she would complete her career at the WTA 1000 Dubai event in February, making the 2023 Australian Open her final Grand Slam competition, an injury in August forced her to modify her plans.
He was my first mixed doubles partner when I was 14, and we won the nationals, as Rohan said. The arena wasn’t identical to this one. That was, however, 22 years ago. He is one of my best friends and the best partner to complete my career with, therefore I couldn’t think of a better one. Although we obviously fell short of the finish line, there is no one I would rather have spent my final Grand Slam match with. I’m grateful, Rohan,” she continued.
Sania will compete in her final WTA match in the Dubai Championships, starting on February 19.