After clinching the 2015 US Open women's doubles title, Sania Mirza, who is back in her hometown Hyderabad, dedicated her victory to the people of India. Sania, partnering Martina Hingis, beat Casey Dellacqua and Yaroslava Shvedova in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to clinch back-to-back Grand Slam titles, after their Wimbledon triumph in July.
Sania has a huge fan base in India, and thanked them for their continued support.
"I always dedicate my victories back to the people of India. I thank everyone for their love and support and winning the US Open was great," NDTV quoted Sania as saying.
While Sania will still be savouring her historic win at Flushing Meadows, the Hyderbadi has another reason to rejoice, as she is busy preparing for her sister Anam's wedding engagement.
"Focus is now on something different. I am am excited about the engagement and looking forward to the next couple of days," she said.
Sania, who has been earning plaudits for her performance in the last six to seven months, and Hingis have formed a formidable pair ever since they decided to join hands in the doubles circuit.
Apart from winning two Grand Slam titles, they also emerged triumphant in the Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open and the Family Circle Cup earlier in the year.
It is such performances which helped her win India's highest sporting honour – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award – last month. However, the award was shrouded by controversy, after paralympian HN Girisha felt he deserved the award ahead of Sania.
But, Sania does not seem to perturbed with such controversies, as she feels she just answers with her performances on court. Truly so, as she also reached a major landmark in India's tennis history, becoming the first women to reach world number one in the doubles circuit.
"I play tennis and I try and win. I play for myself and my country and for my family. I don't get into who says what, I just answer with my racquet. I just play and that gives me the most joy," said Sania.
