Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis had decided to part ways earlier this month after a few below par performances in the WTA circuit. They played with different partners in the recently-concluded Cincinnati Open. Sania says that their decision to split was fully professional and that their friendship is still strong.
SanTina, as the Indo-Swiss pair was popularly called, won a number of titles including three Grand Slams -- Wimbledon and US Open in 2015 and Australian Open in 2016. They were a treat to watch on the court as their chemistry was second to none. Their positive spirit was always evident on their faces, with their smiles intact. One look at the pair, and there was no denying that they were friends on and off the court as well.
One will still get that glimpse of smiles, chemistry and friendship in the WTA Tour Championships for which the doubles pair had secured early qualification. They would love to feature in their last tournament together as a pair with a win.
"To end the partnership was a totally professional decision and has nothing to do with our personal relationship. We are still great friends. In fact we will also be playing together for WTA Tour Championships later this year in Singapore," The Times of India quoted Sania as saying in an interview.
Along with Grand Slams, the Indo-Swiss pair was a huge success. They won almost everything in the WTA circuit, including 11 other titles as well. But, their performances in the last few months were not good, which played an important role in their split.
"We are the ones who perform on a daily basis and we have to sometimes take some tough decisions which may not be understood by the people outside. But as professionals, we feel responsible and consider it our duty to do what is in the best interest of our careers," Sania added.
Now, it is time for both the players to move on with their respective new partners. Sania, along with her new partner Barbara Strycova clinched the Cincinnati Open on Sunday. Ironically, Sania defeated Hingis and Coco Vandeweghe in the final.
