Sania spoke about the difficulties of a female athlete, saying that the treatment she received for being a woman made her strong enough to stand up to the problems in the society, in an exclusive interview to ToI on Friday.

“I felt that many a time, I was treated in a certain way because I am a woman, that's not necessarily the right or wrong way, but in a 'certain way'. Every time people ask me about women's issues, I say that the first step for a woman is to accept that she's not treated equally. Women still live in a delusional world to a large extent,” Sania said.

“The lowest point of my year was the match we lost for the bronze medal and the match before that (the semi-finals, playing for a place in the final). I cried like I haven't cried in a long time. I cried after the match, I cried even when I was doing press. I walked off the court and I wasn't able to control myself. People sometimes think because we deal with wins and losses on a daily basis that we get over them a lot easier,” Sania Mirza said.

Mirza also felt that the higher stakes at the Olympics has a great effect on the players since the chance to win a medal comes every four years.

When asked about her plans for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, the 29-year old was unsure about taking part in the event.

“The chances of being in Tokyo 2020 are minute. Firstly I don't think my body will survive. Four years is a long time. Realistically, even if I make it, I'm not going to be at my peak. That's a fact, as athletes we have to accept that we peak at a certain time. I may still be in a position to compete, but will I be in a position to give myself a chance to win a medal? Probably not,” Sania said.

“Like some relationships, partnerships to run its course. That's the nature of sport. People thought the split was all dramatic or we weren't speaking, but we share meals on the Tour, have lunch together. It was always very cordial. It was a professional decision,” she said.