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Sania to concentrate on singles

By Our Sports Reporter

MAIDEN INDIA!: Sania Mirza, who became the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title when she won the Wimbledon girls' doubles crown, is given a warm welcome in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

HYDERABAD JULY 8. Teenage sensation Sania Mirza, who arrived to a touching reception when classmates and students from her Nasr School were among those who lined up at the Hyderabad airport chanting "Sania, Sania'', made it abundantly clear that she had her feet on the ground.

Speaking to newsmen after meeting the Governor, S.S. Barnala, the 16-year-old tennis prodigy said her next priority was to focus on singles.

"I am not sure whether I should take up doubles with as much seriousness. But, singles will top my agenda,'' she pointed out. "Definitely, I feel it is time to have training abroad if I were to really break into the senior circuit. I do feel the need of a travelling coach now,'' she said.

A visibly relaxed Sania traced those moments when she spotted her doubles partner and then charted the route to history.

"Just three days before the doubles competition, I casually spoke to Alisa about partnering me in the doubles. Wimbledon was the first event we played together. Initially, she was not sure whether she will be playing singles or doubles. But later, she said ok and would try her best,'' said Sania.

"The tough draw helped us a lot for we encountered the top and the third seeded combinations very early. That gave us a lot of confidence,'' she said.

Sania admitted to having been quite tense before the final.

"But, we managed to keep cool on the court. Even after the loss of the first set, we started taking time to re-group and that worked really well.

Basically, we tried not to think that it was the Wimbledon final and that worked,'' she said. "Fortunately, there was no language problem for Alisa could speak English fluently,'' she quipped.

What exactly were the adjustments she had to make after her doubles semifinal appearance in the French Open on clay? "It is really fast at Wimbledon unlike the slow, clay courts where I normally enjoy playing. But, I liked the bounce too at Wimbledon and had no problems in changing the game to suit the surface,'' she said.

What is her next target? "Well, I might play in one more tournament before leaving for the US Open championship in August this year,'' the charming player said. Incidentally, she will be looking for a new partner as Alisa is not available for the US Open.

Any reference to the brilliant title-triumph saw Sania sporting a highly satisfied smile. "Yes, it was a wonderful moment when we finally won the event. My mother too gave me emotional support. I don't think anyone could have asked for more than to have your mother watching you win a Grand Slam title,'' she said.

Referring to the reception, Sania said it was unbelievable. "I never imagined it would be so nice. I thank the Government, the fans and everyone for sharing my moments of joy,'' she said.

She specifically wanted to thank the Governor for his "wonderful gesture at his residence (where he presented a memento to her and shawls to all the family members).''

Later at the Chief Minister's residence too, Sania made it a point to thank the Government for the excellent support over the last few years and hoped to reciprocate the fresh gestures with matching results.

The Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, announced that the Grand Slam title winner would be presented a house site and a cash incentive of Rs 10 lakhs in recognition of her brilliant performance in the Wimbledon.

"The young player can rest assured of the continued support from the Government over the next few years,'' he told the Mirza family.

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