Sania Mirza on Balancing Motherhood, Fitness, and Career: ‘I Go to the Gym Maybe Five Times a Week’ | Exclusive

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They say it’s not easy being a superwoman, but Sania Mirza seems to have cracked the code. A six-time Grand Slam champion and tennis icon, Sania has made her mark both on and off the court. But her latest chapter involves not just raising her game, but raising her son, Izhaan, and keeping her fitness in check—all while managing an increasingly busy career.

In an exclusive chat with MyKhel, Sania shared insights into her life beyond tennis, giving us a sneak peek into her balancing act as a mother, fitness enthusiast, and entrepreneur. From creating a day that revolves around her son to staying motivated in the gym, her approach is refreshingly candid. Let’s dive into how she makes it all work.

A Day in the Life: Family First, Always

When asked about a typical day in her life, Sania’s response revolves around her son, Izhaan. While her professional commitments—whether running tennis centers in Dubai or her association with the Pickleball Open 2025—are important, it’s her role as a mother that takes center stage. As she put it:

“Well, a typical day in my life honestly depends on where I am because when I'm in Dubai, I try and spend as much time as possible with Izhaan, my son. I try to work my schedule around him.”

Her mornings begin early, around 6:45-7 AM, with the school run. After dropping off Izhaan, she heads to the gym for a workout session, followed by a focused block of work before picking up her son in the afternoon.

“I go pick him up from school, and then I'm kind of with him most of the time,” she states. It’s a schedule that showcases her commitment to both her family and career, finding harmony between the two.

However, when she’s traveling or working outside Dubai, things change. “I have close to 16 or 17-hour days,” she reveals, adding:

“I go in the morning from Dubai back to India, do the event, come back the same night and those are really long days. But, yeah, it just typically depends on where I am. But yes, to find that balance, I've tried to keep my schedule a little lighter when I'm in Dubai compared to when I'm working outside of Dubai.”

Long days filled with events, travel, and meetings are par for the course. But even then, she’s mindful of her time with Izhaan, always prioritizing family whenever possible.

Fitness After Tennis: Staying in Top Shape

One question many fans often wonder is how Sania Mirza stays in such remarkable shape after retiring from professional tennis. Her answer is straightforward: consistency. She shares:

“I go to the gym maybe five times a week. I do cardio six times a week and try to spend a couple of hours every time.”

In addition to her cardio workouts, Sania occasionally plays pickleball, adding some variety to her routine. But it’s clear that no matter her schedule, maintaining fitness is non-negotiable.

“It’s different kind of training now, but that’s how I try to keep it,” she explains, highlighting the importance of adapting but never letting go of the discipline that kept her at the top of her game.

Raising Izhaan: Supporting His Own Journey

Sania Mirza also spoke about her son, Izhaan, and the future she envisions for him. While many might assume that Izhaan will naturally follow in his parents' athletic footsteps, Sania takes a more open-minded approach to his future. “My son can do whatever he wants, to be very honest with you,” she says, reinforcing that she’ll support him no matter what career path he chooses. She adds:

“He can do what he loves, and I think that whatever he wants to do, whether it's tennis, whether it's cricket, whether it's pickleball, or any other sport, like right now, he plays football. If he wants to do something outside of the sport, and if he doesn't want to play a sport, I'll be happy to support him.”

For her, it’s not about imposing a legacy but giving her son the freedom to explore his own interests.

It’s All About Balance for Sania Mirza

Her approach to balancing motherhood, fitness, and her professional commitments is a masterclass in time management and prioritization. The fact that she maintains this balance with grace speaks volumes about her commitment and determination.

Sania Mirza’s perspective on life as a mother and athlete is refreshing and honest. She shows us that it's possible to chase your dreams while being fully present for the people you love.

So, what’s the secret? It’s about keeping the things that matter most at the center of your universe. For anyone looking for inspiration on how to balance it all, Sania’s story proves that with a little planning, a lot of passion, and support for your family, you can make it all work. And, most importantly, make it look effortless!