Sania to partner Bob Bryan at Aus Open

Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza said she is looking forward to teaming up with American Bob Bryan in mixed doubles at the 2013 Australian Open.

"Yes, I am going to play with Bryan in the Australian Open," Sania, who inaugurated the President's Trophy boat race in Kolam, Kerala, on Thursday evening, told reporters.

Bethanie Mattek of the United States will partner her in the women's doubles, she added.

Sania, ranked No 7 in doubles, said like every other player her aim is to get to the No 1 position.

She said though she would like to play singles, her physical fitness does not allow her to do so. However, she is training hard.

India's most successful women's tennis player said when she started her game at the age of 16, the aim was to play till 24.

She said she thought that she would have to quit the game after marriage with Shoaib Malik. "But I am still playing," she added.

On her former mixed doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania said they are still good friends.

Sania said the aim of the proposed Tennis Academy, to be set up by her at Hyderabad, is to extend facilities for tennis play in rural areas also.