I've conveyed my decision on the Olympic issue: Sania on Paes-Bopanna deadlock

06/10/2016

Few would have forgotten the 2012 fiasco before the London Olympics when Sania Mirza was forced to partner Leander Paes over her preferred partner, Rohan Bopanna. The tennis star yesterday revealed that she has “conveyed” her decision to the AITA, this time on who she wants to partner at Rio.

"I have already spoken to AITA and conveyed my decision on the Olympic issue. They have a meeting on the 11th (June) and let's wait for that," Sania told PTI. She, however, refused to reveal more on the issue with a curt "No, I won't."

However, the conference was not without its drama as just after Sania reached the venue, the third person in the deadlock, Leander Paes, also walked in adding to the drama.

Sania then answered questions on her outlook for the Wimbledon, the next slam fast approaching. "Winning every tournament is a difficult thing. But it's a pleasure being defending champions and there is pressure also. There was pressure first time also and it will be no different. We will take one match at a time, " said the world No. 1 in doubles, reported PTI.

(Also read - Sania Mirza: It's been an unbelievable year and a half)

Sania was at the CNN18 event where she was presented with the 'Indian Sportsperson of the Year' award. She underplayed concerns on her defeat in the French Open doubles alongside Martina Hingis calling it “not our favourite” surface.

"Red clay is not our favourite surface and it was one bad day. But we both then picked up our game to keep up the level in mixed doubles," she said.

Also answering questions about her autobiography co-authored with her father, she was asked about how similar her story would be to Andre Agassi's. She said, "Andre told his story and I will be telling my story. Every story is unique and special in its own way. I have gone through a lot both on and off the court. It's been a long journey and I owe it to family who have shared this with me. I hope my book inspires the aspiring tennis players in our country," to PTI.

(Also read - Why Sharapova deserves a life-time ban instead of this two-year sabbatical)

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