Sania Mirza Exclusive: Former Indian Star Player Talks Absence of Nadal, Djokovic-Murray Partnership and Future of Tennis in 2025

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Sania Mirza is the diva of Indian tennis. Even post-retirement, she is a celebrity and idolised by one and all. As a Super Mom, she has set the highest standards. Even post-retirement, whatever she speaks, on a public platform or commentary, carries weight. Now busy with commentary for the Australian Open, Sania spared some time for MyKhel.

She has watched the current crop of players closely and still stays in touch with them. Sharp, witty, and frank in her views, Sania speaks on almost everything in today's world of tennis. On Monday, Novak Djokovic opens his campaign as well at the season's first Grand Slam.

Excerpts:

MyKhel: A new tennis season has unfolded. Your thoughts on Novak Djokovic, can be win a Grand Slam in 2025? How important is his tying up with Andy Murray?

Sania Mirza: I think Novak is too great a player to write off as long as he's playing. And I know he'll only play if he thinks he can win. Andy is a thinker and he's seen it all. I like the chances of him doing well in tandem with Novak.

MyKhel: In 2024, tennis was hit by two big doping scandals, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Your thoughts on it. Are anti-doping protocols in place the best way or has the image of tennis been sullied?

Sania Mirza: Doping scandals keep hitting the headlines in several sports every now and then. It only shows that the vigilance mechanism is in place and that there will be zero tolerance whenever rules are broken, irrespective of the circumstances.

MyKhel: There has often been talk of the tennis season being too long. Your thoughts?

Sania Mirza: Perhaps, it is, but then with proper planning, one can also afford to skip a few events if the circuit is taking its toll on one's body and performance.

MyKhel: How do you see women's tennis in terms of depth and variety in 2025. Do you think there is a Top 3 or Top 4 like in women as well on the global stage?

Sania Mirza: There is undoubtedly a lot of depth in women's tennis but (Aryna) Sabalenka and (Iga) Swiatek are perhaps, a few steps ahead of the rest of the pack.

MyKhel: Tennis minus Rafael Nadal in 2025. Will he be missed?

Sania Mirza: Of course, he (Rafa) will be missed but then tennis does have this intrinsic capacity to throw up new superstars in due course to fill up the void whenever the big names leave the game.