Will do all I can to retain number one ranking, says Sania Mirza

Tennis ace Sania Mirza says she would do all it takes to maintain her world number one ranking. “I wish I could tell the future. But, I can’t. So, I am going to try and keep it (number one rank) as long as possible and do whatever I can,” she told reporters after India, led by her, defeated Philippines in the Fed Cup 2015, Group II, Asia/Oceania tournament to move to Group I on Saturday. 

Sania played a doubles match in the event on Saturday and helped her side beat Philippines 2-1. She expressed happiness over her team winning the matches in the Fed Cup, her first assignment after reaching the top rank in women’s doubles.  “It was really great for me to come and play in Hyderabad being number one. This is my first tournament after being number one. It is pretty amazing for me. Secondly, it was definitely not easy. Because, we are playing at home and the pressure was on us and I have been playing clay court. I have come out and playing under lights and hard. It’s a completely different set up. You have to get used to everything again and again,” said Sania. 

The tennis complex at the LB Stadium was the venue where she had won her first major title in tennis about a decade ago. Sania complemented young players Prarthana G Thombare and Ankita Raina who ensured India did not lose any contest against the rivals in Fed Cup. 

A defeat for Raina in a singles match on Saturday against her Philippines rival Katharina Lehnert was the sole match India lost in the tournament. “It’s great to be with these younger girls. They are all playing very good tennis. The only way is forward and up. They are improving every year. In a couple of years, we hope to get through the world group (of Fed Cup)...,” she said. 

Replying to a query on her expectations at the Stuttgart WTA event for which she would leave later at night, Sania said: “I am not really thinking about Stuttgart right now. I am thinking about Fed Cup. We are really happy.”