LAHORE: Pakistan’s veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik congratulated her wife Sania Mirza on her retirement from grand slam Tennis after losing in the Australian Open 2023 final in the Mixed Doubles on Friday.
Sania, who paired with compatriot Rohan Bopanna in the ongoing grand slam, failed to finish her glittering career on a high as the duo lost 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 to Brazilian pair Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos.
Notably, the Indian Tennis star had termed Australian Open 2023 to be her last grand slam as she announced her retirement earlier this month.
Following her retirement from the grand slam, her husband and former Pakistan captain Shoaib took to Twitter and congratulated her on an unbelievable career.
“You are the much-needed hope for all the women in sports. Super proud of you for all you have achieved in your career,” wrote Shoaib.
“You’re an inspiration for many, keep going strong. Many congratulations on an unbelievable career,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that Sania is regarded as her country’s greatest woman to play the sport.
The 36-year-old Tennis star broke into tears during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Rohan was my first-ever mixed-doubles partner at (aged) 14 and we won the nationals,” said Mirza, a six-time Grand Slam champion, three in doubles and three in mixed.
“It was a long time ago, 22 years ago, and I couldn’t think of a better person — he’s one of my best friends and best partners — to finish my career here and to play the final.
“There’s no better place for me, or person for me, to finish my Grand Slam career.”
Following her grand slam retirement, Sania will now partake in Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and will call time on her professional career.
The professional tournament is scheduled to take place from February 5 to 12 in Dubai.
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