India's most successful female tennis player, winning six Grand Slam titles and becoming the first Indian to achieve a world No. 1 ranking in doubles. She's a trailblazer for women's tennis in India.
Sania Mirza is a household name in Indian sports, renowned for her exceptional talent and achievements in the world of tennis. As a former doubles world No. 1, she has won six major titles, including three in women's doubles and three in mixed doubles, cementing her position as one of the most successful and influential athletes in India.
Born on November 15, 1986, in Mumbai, India, Sania Mirza began her tennis journey at a young age. Her father, Imran Mirza, was her first coach, and she trained at the Sawai Man Singh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. In 2003, she turned professional, and her career took off, marked by a series of impressive wins and milestones.
Mirza's impressive performance in singles earned her the distinction of being the highest-ranked Indian female player ever, peaking at world No. 27 in mid-2007. She recorded wins over prominent players like Svetlana Kuznetsova, Vera Zvonareva, and Marion Bartoli, as well as former world No. 1s Martina Hingis, Dinara Safina, and Victoria Azarenka.
A major wrist injury forced Mirza to shift her focus to doubles, where she achieved unparalleled success. She won 43 titles and spent 91 weeks as world No. 1, earning the distinction of being one of the most dominant doubles players in the world.
Mirza's achievements have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2005, she was crowned the Newcomer of the Year by the WTA. In 2015, she and Martina Hingis were named the Doubles Team of the Year, after achieving a 44-match winning streak, one of the longest in history.
In 2010, Mirza married Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, and in 2018, she gave birth to her son, Izhaan. Despite her busy schedule, Mirza has been actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including working with the Save the Children India charity.
Sania Mirza's impact on Indian tennis and sports as a whole has been profound. She has inspired a generation of young athletes, and her achievements have helped to popularize tennis in India. Her legacy extends beyond the tennis court, as a symbol of female empowerment and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes.
Sania Mirza's remarkable journey, marked by her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion for tennis, has made her an iconic figure in Indian sports. As she bids adieu to professional tennis, her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
46 Years Old
Indian tennis player known for being the first Indian to win a Grand Slam title, winning the 2017 French Open mixed doubles championship. He's also a doubles specialist with multiple ATP titles.
52 Years Old
A tennis legend who won 18 Grand Slam titles, including eight men's doubles and ten mixed doubles, with a record of 42 consecutive Davis Cup wins.
69 Years Old
A tennis legend and pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, known for her record-breaking 167 singles titles and fearless activism on and off the court.
56 Years Old
A tennis legend who dominated the sport in the 1980s and 1990s, winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles and becoming the first player to achieve a Golden Slam.
55 Years Old
A dominant tennis player of the 1990s, winning eight Grand Slam titles and earning a reputation for his athleticism and flamboyant style. He's also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education.
44 Years Old
A tennis legend holding a record 20 Grand Slam titles, dominating the sport with his elegant playing style and enduring success.
39 Years Old
A dominant force in men's tennis, winning a record 21 Grand Slam titles and holding the number one ranking for a record 275 weeks. Known for his intense playing style and athleticism.
38 Years Old
A Serbian tennis superstar who has dominated the sport for years, holding numerous records and winning countless titles, including a record nine Australian Open crowns.