Karnataka - Bangalore

Is Sania shying away from the media?

Kalyan Ashok

The media have often put her in a quandary with uncomfortable questions

Sania Mirza

BANGALORE: Sania Mirza and the media have a strange chemistry. Ever since her rise to tennis stardom, she has never been out of the media glare. Of late, the publicity has gone to the extent of overkill, with a popular TV news channel billing her as India's sexiest sportswoman.

Every press conference that she attends is always overcrowded, with journalists and photographers jostling for every inch of space, and every word is lapped up as a juicy "quote." In their over-enthusiasm, the media has often put Sania in a quandary with some uncomfortable questions like the one about her alleged statement on the controversy over Khusboo's remarks. The Western media, in particular, are fascinated by a Muslim girl playing tennis in skin-tight shorts and defying the traditionalists of her faith.

Of late, Sania seems to have gone into a shell when it comes to facing the Indian media, perhaps after the unpleasant episode in Kochi, where she walked out of a press conference. For the past three days at the WTA Bangalore Open, mediapersons have been virtually running in circles for "an exclusive" with Sania, which has been politely turned down by the media manager of the event. "She will address only the post-match briefing," was the reply when asked to explore such a possibility.

But that does not stop the media from giving Sania her due as they goes on overdrive while describing her matches. At post-match briefings Sania comes out as a clinical professional.

Of course, she smiles but answers to the point, and one has to stick to questions pertaining to the game only. For someone looking for "colour" in copy, the best that comes is in shades of grey.

Should Sania open up more and sound a lot more media friendly?

She'd better, says a professional coach on the condition of anonymity. "Let her not forget that she has gained big mileage out of the media, and it does not hurt to be friendly. When you are in the glare of publicity, you need to handle yourself without being brusque."

There are champions who are extremely media savvy such as Roger Federer, the World No. 1. He is not only a great champion but also a gentleman.

An Indian coach, who works with a Dubai club, was in for a surprise when Federer walked up to him after a practice session at the club and put out his hand, saying, "I am Roger Federer."

It may be too early to expect Sania to replicate Federer's charisma, but with a little more maturity, she can certainly tread that path. Sania needs the media as much as the media need her.

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