'It all began here', India Tennis stalwart Sania Mirza bids goodbye to professional career in Hyderabad

Sania Mirza (Source: Twitter)

Indian tennis stalwart Sania Mirza ended her professional career in Hyderabad where it all began. On Sunday, March 5, after taking part in a few exhibition matches, Mirza played her final career game at Hyderabad's Lal Bahadur Stadium. As her illustrious career came to an end Sania was overcome with joyful tears.

Sania in her 20-year-long career has been one of the most phenomenal Tennis players in the world. She has been one of the pioneers of Women's sports in the country and has been a role model for many young girls.

To celebrate the legacy of the legendary Tennis player Many prominent figures were present at the Lal Bahadur Stadium. Bigg Boss fame MC Stan, Law Minister Kiran Rijiju, Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna, and former cricketer Yuvraj Singh were present there. Sania played a match with each Bopanna and Yuvraj to celebrate her career.

"I am Thankful to everyone", said Sania Mirza

The six-time Grand Slam champion played two exhibition mixed doubles matches and won both of them. However, in her retirement speech, Sania went nostalgic and got emotional. Although she thanked everyone who supported her.

"I am thankful to everyone for the kind of send-off given to me today. I couldn’t have asked for a better farewell. It all began here in 2002 when I won medals in the National Games. Then in 2004, I won my first WTA title (doubles). As someone said, it has been a one-handed drive for me. Yes, it has been an honor to represent the country at the highest level for 20 long years," Sania said while struggling to hold her tears.

"It was so difficult for not many to believe in a young kid taking up tennis, more so a girl. But, it was only my parents who believed in me and have been with me right through this journey. Yes, I am going to miss the game. But I will be there to produce another Sania", she further added.