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Has Sania opted for Bopanna over Paes at Rio Olympics?

June 09, 2016 20:42 IST

IMAGE: Sania Mirza, left, with Rohan Bopanna during the International Premier Tennis League in 2014. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for IPTL 2014

She was forced to partner Leander Paes during the 2012 Olympic Games in London but this time around World No. 1 doubles player Sania Mirza claimed she has 'conveyed' her decision to the All India Tennis Federation about her preferred mixed doubles partner at the Rio Games.

"I have already spoken to AITA and conveyed my decision on the Olympic issue. They have a meeting on the 11th (June), let's wait for that," Sania said in New Delhi, on Thursday.

Asked if she would divulge as to what transpired during your discussions with AITA bosses, Sania replied: "No, I won't."

It's no secret that Sania and Rohan Bopanna are likely to pair in the mixed doubles in Rio, the category where India have the best chance of winning a medal.

For Sania, the focus has now shifted to Wimbledon where she and Martina Hingis will be defending their women's doubles title.

"Winning every tournament is a difficult thing. But it's a pleasure being defending champions and there is pressure also. There was pressure first time also and it will be no different. We will take one match at a time, " said the World No. 1.

The duo had a 41-match winning streak that was broken in February this year, but Sania is confident that they will be able to keep the level up.

"Red clay is not our favourite surface and it was one bad day. But we both then picked up our game to keep up the level in mixed doubles," she said.

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