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'Happy tears,' says Sania Mirza as she bids farewell to her Grand Slam career. Sania Mirza, the Indian tennis star who announced her retirement from the sport earlier this month, was overcome with emotion as she delivered her farewell speech.
The 38-year-old athlete, who competed in her first Grand Slam 18 years ago, is in Australia for her final Australian Open event.
Sania couldn't hold back her tears during her emotional farewell speech, saying, "I just want to start with that if I cry, these are happy tears, not sad tears, so that's just a disclaimer."
"Sorry guys..." 🥹❤️
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 27, 2023
Indian doubles legend Sania Mirza was overcome with emotion as she bowed out of grand slam tennis. Congrats on an incredible career! 👏👏
🖥️ #AusOpen LIVE | https://t.co/80XjQpwd6J#9WWOS #Tennis pic.twitter.com/9LKc8bXDMF
She began her speech by congratulating her opponents, saying, "This is your moment, and I really don't want to take it away, and I really really know from the bottom of my heart you guys played amazing today, and you deserved to win today, so congratulations and good luck."
Sania then stated that she intends to compete in a few more tournaments.
The tennis star opened up about her career, stating that her professional career began in Melbourne.
"It started in Melbourne in 2005, when I played Serena Williams in the third round here as an 18-year-old, and that was 18 years ago," she explained.
"I've had the privilege of returning here time and time again to win tournaments and play great finals amongst you all, and this Rod Laver Arena has really been special in my life, and I couldn't think of a better arena to finish my Grand Slam career at. Thank you very much for making me feel at ease here "She expressed herself.
Sania spoke about her partner, Rohan, who was her first mixed doubles partner when she was 14 and helped her win the nationals.
"It wasn't the same arena as this one, but it had been a long time. I couldn't think of a better person 22 years ago. He's one of my best friends and one of my best teammates to finish my career here and play in the championship game. Obviously, we were unable to cross the finish line, but there is no better place or person for me to complete my Grand Slam career. So, Rohan, thank you for participating "She stated.
Sania stated that her family and team are present. "I never thought I'd be able to play in front of my child in a Grand Slam finals, so it's truly special for me to have my four-year-old here, as well as my parents and Rohan's wife, Scotty, everyone, my trainers, and my Australian family, who made me feel like home away from home."
The celebrity thanked everyone for their help. "Thank you so much for all of your help this week and throughout my life. It's been truly extraordinary, and I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you "Sania stated.
"Thank you very much for everything, and thank you, Australia, for making me feel at home," she said at the end of her speech.
