Rio failure continues to rankle Sania Mirza
Doubles specialist Sania Mirza has expressed satisfaction in finishing as the world’s top-ranked player for the second successive year, but the Hyderabadi said her failure to win a medal at the Rio Olympics in August was a disappointment she is unable to come to terms with.
“Rankings are not the only thing we play for. But when you know you are the world No 1 in your sport for the second consecutive season, it gives you that very special feeling and a sense of great achievement,” the 30-year-old told The Hindu.
The Indian ace won eight doubles titles in 2016 to take her career total to 40.
“A new season and fresh challenges await. We have to re-set our goals and keep moving ahead. What I will be sincerely hoping for is to stay healthy without any injury scares. Having faced some career-threatening ones and coming back from those turbulent phases, I know what it means to be fully fit for the competitive circuit,” she added.
“The biggest disappointment when I look back at 2016 is not winning the Olympic medal, despite coming so close (lost in the semifinals). I could not come to terms with that. But, you have to move on.”
