Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has voiced concerns over the country's tennis system, stating it's 'still not great' and that India loses talented players during their transition from junior to senior levels, despite an abundance of potential.
India's teenage tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran has made a significant mark on the professional circuit by winning the W35 Lagos tournament in Portugal, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve a pro singles title since Sania Mirza. The 17-year-old, who also secured the doubles crown, views this as just the beginning of her professional journey, aiming to compete in more senior events and improve her world ranking. She recently moved her training base to France and plans to focus on physical and technical improvements in the coming months.
Former Indian tennis greats Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, and Rohan Bopanna, along with other prominent sportspersons, have applied for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) positions within the All India Tennis Association (AITA). This move aligns with new national sports governance rules aimed at increasing sportsperson representation in federations. The AITA received 26 applications, and the selection process for SOM representatives is expected to conclude on November 5, with AITA elections scheduled for November 27.
Rohan Bopanna, India's former world number one doubles player, has been excluded from the AITA's Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster. This exclusion is due to his failure to meet the mandatory one-year retirement criterion, as he announced his professional retirement on November 1, 2025, just shy of the October 16, 2026, deadline for the roster. Despite inquiring about his eligibility and receiving initial assurance, his continued participation on the Pro ATP tour until October 2025 meant he was still considered active.
'But it's not something that I really focus on. That's not really my goal.'
Sania Mirza opened up on how motherhood transformed her life and career, and how sport has constantly taught her resilience and self-forgiveness
Asian Games medallist Vishal Uppal has advised against creating excessive hype around young Indian tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, urging the fraternity to let her develop naturally rather than pressuring her to emulate Sania Mirza. Uppal believes Maaya, a top 20 junior player, has the potential to break into the top 100 in professional tennis if she maintains her hard work and hunger. He also highlighted the challenges of professional tennis and praised another prospect, Dakshineshwar Suresh.
Sania shared a heartwarming glimpse into her life, featuring a new nameplate for her house that reads 'Sania & Izhaan'.
>Sania Mirza celebrated Eid with her family -- parents Imran and Nasima, son Izhan, sister Anam, brother-in-law Mohammad Asaduddin (cricket legend Mohammad Azharuddin's son), niece Dua -- and the tennis star looked gorgeous as always
Sania Mirza, the tennis icon, made a dazzling entry at the fifth Indian Sports Honours event, donning a stunning floral blazer suit.
'Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard.'
'No matter how dark it is around me, your smile makes it all better.'
Tennis legend Sania Mirza has been tempting us with her iftar spread and was seen relishing a feast with son Izhaan Mirza Malik.
Sania Mirza's home is a sanctuary where victories are celebrated, memories are made, and comfort is found.
Who are the special fathers of these famous Indians? The paternal figures responsible for putting them on the right path and helping them find greatness.
Vaishnavi Adkar, following her recent success, has been selected for the Indian team participating in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie.
The tennis champ is slaying the fashion game with her comfy dressing.
Chennai Super Kings Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni enjoyed a delightful evening with his wife Sakshi at former CSK team-mate Robin Uthappa's Dubai residence.
Playfully elegant, her wardrobe has a very relatable spin.
Sania Mirza ended her career with first round defeat at WTA Dubai event.
Sania and Pavic seemed to be the crowd favourites on Court 3
Tennis ace Sania Mirza gears up for her sister, Anam Mirza's wedding. Checkout to see pictures of Anam's mehendi ceremony!
Enjoy these pictures of the supermom with super style.
Izhaan Mirza Malik has taken on the role of his mother's 'coach'.
Izhaan looked too cute all cuddled up in his mama's arms.
'I actually find it quite funny that people who have never held a cricket bat or a tennis racket or a boxing glove in their hand can have such a big opinion about what you do professionally.'
Sania was seen cheering for her husband Shoaib Malik's team Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.
India's tennis icon Sania Mirza, who played her last Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month, was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore team as their mentor in the inaugural Women's Premier League.
In his congratulatory message to Sania, the PM conveyed that Sania has left an indelible mark on Indian sports, inspiring the coming generation of athletes.
Sports stars in Telangana stepped out to cast their vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday.
Sania Mirza's sister, Anam showed off her working out.
Charleston will always be special to me," said the new World No 1 in women's doubles.
'I have been OUT OF THE COUNTRY since beginning September.'
Anam is all set to tie the knot with former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin's son, Asaduddin.
Sania Mirza is back at it again, giving fans and Instagram followers enough fitness inspiration.
Sania shared a selfie with Indian badminton star PV Sindhu and Indian squash star Joshna Chinappa and thanked them for dropping in to meet Izhaan.
Rohan Bopanna emphasises the need for a structured approach to developing tennis in India, while Joshna Chinnappa expresses excitement about squash's Olympic debut and the growth of Indian squash talent.
Bollywood fraternity is celebrating Sania Mirza's Wimbledon win as the celebs have flooded Twitter with their wishes.
Kudermetova and Vesnina clinched the second set quite easily as Sania and Mattek-Sands pair bowed out
