Serena Williams : Sania Mirza can be successful with any partner

"Sania is a great doubles player and knows how to win Grand Slams. She was a wonderful singles player too. She can be successful with any partner... she will always do a wonderful job," Serena Williams said, when asked whether Sania will struggle with her new partner Prarthana Thombare at the Games, reported ToI.

Serena, who won the gold medal in both the singles and the doubles event at the London Olympics, has, however, refused to be drawn into politics. When asked whether she would support Donald Trump in the US elections, she replied, "I don't involve myself in politics. I believe in spreading the message of love and unity between different nationalities... of all races."

Serena, however, did not hold back when the question regarding the much-debated disparity between the prize money for men and women players in the sport was thrown at her.

"We work just as hard as the men. We also make many sacrifices as the men do. So there are same parallels here. Why should we be paid less?". Serena said this was her first visit to Rio, but was quick to add that she was here on business and fun could wait. "I am competing here in both doubles and singles. So I can see the city on my next visit, it's a great excuse to come back," Serena said.