The Indian tennis star says it will be 'unbelievable' if she can go all the way with new partner Shvedova in French Open starting next week
Roland Garros remains only Major where Sania Mirza hasn't captured women's double title. In this exclusive interview with Rutvick Mehta, the Indian tennis star says it will be 'unbelievable' if she can go all the way with new partner Shvedova in French Open starting next week
After the end of a pretty successful partnership with Barbora Strycova last month, you got together with Yaroslava Shvedova for the clay court season in the build up to the French Open. How are you gelling with her?
Yaroslava Shvedova and I are having a good time. I'd say our partnership is going good so far, having reached the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open and having played a tough semifinals in Rome (Italian Open) after that.
But do you think two tournaments is enough game time with a new partner as build up to a Grand Slam?
Well, like I said, our partnership has managed to reach the quarterfinals of Madrid and then the semifinals in Rome. We played in the Nurnberg WTA event too (where they lost in the Round of 16). So yes, I feel we are ready and geared up for the French Open.
How challenging does it get for a doubles player to adjust to new partners, more so when it happens every few months? How do you personally deal with that?
I always believe it is very important to get along with the person you play with. Fortunately, Shvedova and I have known each other for a very long time now. And that makes it easier for us when we step on to the court.
How upbeat are you about your and Shvedova's chances at the French Open, and do you believe you can go all the way?
It would be awesome if we can win the French Open this year. It would be unbelievable. But even it does not happen, it would be fine as I'm not focusing on this. I am just trying to focus on playing my best at each tournament, especially at the Grand Slams.
French Open remains the only Grand Slam where you haven't won a women's doubles title. Any particular reason why you have fallen short on clay at the Roland Garros?
Look, clay court is a real tough surface to play on. It is definitely not one of my favourites. Having said that, I have still managed to reach the French Open finals twice, once in 2011 (women's doubles with Elena Vesnina) and once in 2016 (mixed doubles with Ivan Dodig). Plus, I've also won the mixed double's title there with Mahesh Bhupathi in 2012.
You'd love to complete a Career Slam in women's doubles, isn't it? Is it something top in your goals list?
Of course. I would love to complete the Career Slam. However, for me each tournament is equally important and I'll like to give it my best in all of them.
In the absence of Serena Williams as well as Roger Federer, who do you think would be the favourites to win the French Open in singles – both men and women?
The women's draw is quite open and it will be very interesting to will win this season. There are quite a few who have good chances and it's tough to pick a name. But for the men's singles, my favourite is Rafael Nadal and I think he has a great chance of winning his 10th Roland Garros title.
The women's draw is quite open and it will be very interesting to will win this season... But for the men's singles, my favourite is Rafael Nadal and I think he has a great chance of winning his 10th Roland Garros title
--Sania Mirza, on favourites for the French Open
SANIA-SHVEDOVA PARTNERSHIP
- Madrid Open: Lost to Simona Halep/Irina-Camelia Begu in QF
- Italian Open (Rome): Lost to Martina Hingis/Chan Yung-jan in SF
- Nuremberg: Lost to Chuang Chia-jung/Misaki Doi in Rd of 16
DID YOU KNOW?
After splitting with long-time partner Martina Hingis, Sania Mirza teamed up with Barbora Strycova ahead of the US Open in August 2016. However, the pair split last month, with the latter wanting to focus more on singles
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