Mirza played her last Grand Slam match where she and Bopanna lost the Australian Open mixed doubles final to Brazilian pair Stefani and Matos.
The 36-year-old Mirza, India’s greatest women’s player, returned to Melbourne Park for one last hurrah and made it all the way to the decider on Friday.
However, she and her 42-year-old doubles partner Rohan Bopanna were unable to get over the line, losing 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 to Brazilian pair Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos.
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) January 27, 2023
Mirza was in tears during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Disclaimer, if I cry it is happy tears,” Mirza said. “I don’t want to take away the moment from Matos-Stefani who have deserved this.”
Mirza first appeared at a Grand Slam tournament 18 years ago in Melbourne, when she was beaten by eventual 2005 champion Serena Williams in a third-round match.
“I’ve had the privilege to come back here again and again, and win some tournaments and play some great finals.
“Rohan was my first-ever mixed-doubles partner at [age] 14 and we won the nationals,” said Mirza, a six-time Grand Slam champion, three in women’s 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.”
🔹6 career Grand Slam titles
🔹2014 US Open mixed doubles champion
🔹2015 US Open women’s doubles championCongratulations on a remarkable Grand Slam career, @MirzaSania! pic.twitter.com/rusGlEHshR
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 27, 2023
Mirza, who is married to former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik and has a young son Izhaan with him, said it was incredible to play in front of him in a major final.
Mirza was the first Indian to win a WTA singles title in 2005 in her hometown Hyderabad. She reached the fourth round of the US Open the same year and by 2007 was among the women’s top 30.
A wrist injury however forced her to concentrate on doubles, forging a partnership with Swiss great Martina Hingis which produced three Grand Slam titles.
She is due to retire from all tennis after a tournament next month in Dubai, where she has lived for more than 10 years and recently launched a tennis academy.