Sania Mirza ended her magnificent 20-year-long career with a defeat in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old India legend lost in straight sets along with American partner Madison Keys in women’s doubles tie. The pair went 4-6 0-6 down to Russian pair of Veronika Kudermetova and Liudmila Samsonova in one hour long battle.
Here are some of the reactions to Sania Mirza’s last match:
Habibi @MirzaSania ❤️ https://t.co/w8OiD43YU5— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) February 21, 2023
Welcome to retirement @MirzaSania you outdid yourself time and time again both on and off the court …. Proud of you !! pic.twitter.com/xNzIykOIqH— Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) February 21, 2023
Thank you @MirzaSania https://t.co/ZGTv5qGFqw— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) February 21, 2023
End of an era!Today #IndianTennis bids it’s goodbye to the icon who became a role model and inspiration for millionsHappy retirement, @MirzaSania #SaniaMirza #Tennis pic.twitter.com/wgsTkfAe1N
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) February 21, 2023
Countless memories, one @MirzaSania! ✨#DDFTennis | #SaniaMirza | #ThankYouSania pic.twitter.com/ExBQV0j9EJ— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) February 21, 2023
To an inspiring journey, @MirzaSania!You are one of the finest athletes of this generation and have set a great benchmark so high with your extraordinary performances
Happiest retirement to you!#Tennis #India #SaniaMirza pic.twitter.com/OGkgdyv2MD
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) February 21, 2023
Congratulations on an illustrious and inspiring career @MirzaSania. You’ve been an icon of the sport and a role model to millions! Wish you a happy #retirement.#SaniaMirza #tennis pic.twitter.com/7ScW9Sl6ND— Dr Ranjith Reddy - BRS (@DrRanjithReddy) February 22, 2023
Sania Mirza - An island of hope in a sea of mediocrity …❤️A story of hard work, grit, determination & dedication finally comes to an end. From an emerging Tennis star to one of India’s national sports icons, thank you for all the memories & love…#The_Queen_Retires pic.twitter.com/T9OWIgeiUD
— All India Tennis Association (@AITA__Tennis) February 21, 2023
That’s it for Sania Mirza Sania has played her final match, wrapping up her career in Dubai ⚡️#DDFTennis #SaniaMirza pic.twitter.com/qNr2GPSjwz— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) February 21, 2023
First Asian Games Medal at age of 15First Indian to be ranked World No.1 on WTA doubles rankings
Six Grand Slam titles
22-year-long professional career
Happy retirement, @MirzaSania ❤️#DDFTennis #WTA @WTA pic.twitter.com/1TrSGsyh2U
— Dubai Tennis Champs (@DDFTennis) February 21, 2023
A mother to 4-year-old boy Izhaan, Mirza, who had turned pro back in 2003, ended her glorious career with six Grand Slam trophies.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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