Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza concluded her illustrious tennis career where it all began, at Hyderabad’s Lal Bahadur Stadium, after playing several exhibition matches on Sunday, March 5th. As her long and successful career came to an end, Mirza was visibly emotional. Over nearly two decades on the tennis circuit, Mirza not only revolutionized tennis in India but also inspired countless young girls throughout the country to take up sports and pursue careers in athletics. Mirza has been a trailblazer for women’s sports in general.
#MCStan performed at under25 summit In Bangalore yesterday ,also visited Hyderabad for Sania Mirza’s farewell Match , now back to mumbai before 2 Hours of concert the hard-work & Dedication Is phenomenal >>> pic.twitter.com/Z65coU63Pb
— __ ____ ________ ____ (@ItsTeamMCStan) March 5, 2023
An icon of Indian Tennis bids adieu to the Court. Sania Mirza’s grit and brilliance have left an indelible mark on the game.
Her legacy will continue to inspire the generations of young players. Thank you @MirzaSania for the personal invitation to attend final memorable moment! pic.twitter.com/llAZRifa4h
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 5, 2023
#MCStan_ performed his most viewed track ‘EK DIN PYAAR’ in Hyderabad for Sania Mirza’s Farewell Match. _____n the huge crowd starts to dance n sing on this legendary track! __
What a gesture of respect And admiration for 1 Of India’s greatest Athlete @MirzaSania. pic.twitter.com/VSrs39i1Mc
— _______ ___ (@yogeshrdxreal) March 5, 2023
#MCStan at #SaniaMirza‘s last farewell match in hyderabad
Stan has a show in Mumbai today , but still went to meet #SaniaMirza and perform for her. #MCStan_ getting the respect he deserves _
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— Stanny_IMCD (@ReheHarsh) March 5, 2023
@MCStanOfficial Visiting Tennis legend @MirzaSania in Hyderabad for Farewell match even Though he has concert At mumbai.
Sania Mirza the shining light of Indian tennis __(2003-2023)__#SaniaMirza X #MCStan pic.twitter.com/I4ucrNZ1dV
— ______ (@RealDevesh7) March 5, 2023
MC ST_N live performance for Sania Mirza for her last farewell match in Hyderabad#MCStan pic.twitter.com/hUvMof2ckf
— Wholelottayedechalemaam (@Saksham09321601) March 5, 2023
#MCStan at #SaniaMirza‘s last farewell match at Hyderabad
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— Mohit (@mohitllb79) March 5, 2023
In her final game, Mirza played several friendly matches alongside tennis stars Rohan Bopanna, Ivan Dodig, Cara Black, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and Marion Bartoli, all of whom have partnered with her in various events throughout her career. MC Stan delivered a live performance to commemorate the special occasion in Hyderabad, and Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh was in attendance to witness the historic moment. Yuvraj even played in one of the matches as part of the celebration of Sania’s remarkable career.
Sania arrived at the venue in a swanky red car and was greeted by cheering fans, including prominent personalities. She turned emotional while giving her farewell speech and expressed that playing for the country for 20 years has been her greatest honour. Sania played two mixed doubles exhibition matches and won both of them. The venue was decorated with banners and placards to honour Sania’s legacy and thank her for the memories.
Spectators, mostly school children, cheered her as she entered the court. Rijiju, Telangana minister K T Rama Rao, Azharuddin and Yuvraj were among the guests present at the venue. Sania’s family members and friends also attended the event. After the match, she was felicitated by Rama Rao and Telangana sports minister V Srinivas Goud.
Sania expressed that though she may have retired, she will continue to be part of tennis and sports in India and Telangana. She hoped that her retirement would inspire “many, many Sanias” in the country. Azharuddin praised her contribution to tennis and expressed that he wished her all the best. Several fans expressed sadness over Sania retiring from professional tennis.
