This one's for you, Hesh

Mirza dedicates Aus Open victory to partner Bhupathi

Mirza dedicates Aus Open victory to partner Bhupathi

Having a ball: Mahesh Bhupathi looks on as his mixed doubles partner and compatriot Sania Mirza whips an overhead forehand during their Grand Slam-winning campaign at the Australian Open recently. Bhupathi-Mirza beat Israel's Andy Ram and France's Nathalie Dechy 6-1, 6-3 in the final. pic/AP

Recent reports suggesting that Sania Mirza felt ditched when partner Mahesh Bhupathi picked Rohan Bopanna ahead of her to watch Danny Boyle's blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire, may have been in good humour. But the leading lady of Indian tennis sure has every right to feel ignored (albeit again on a lighter note) by Bhupathi, for whom she gave her best in the Australian Open mixed doubles final.

A day before becoming the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title, Sania was a keen spectator even as Bhupathi (along with Mark Knowles of the Bahamas) went down in the men's doubles final to America's Bryan brothers.

Disappointment

Sania obviously left the Rod Laver Arena disappointed probably as disappointed as Bhupathi himself. But the 22-year-old returned the next day to play some aggressive tennis to ensure her partner did not leave Melbourne empty-handed. Hesh too appreciated her 'aggressive display' given the fact that she was coming off an injury lay-off.

Hesh and Mirza's secret to their success seems to be their mutual admiration for each other, which is evident given the Hyderabadi ace can't seem to stop praising him. Excerpts:

Were you that extra bit aggressive in the mixed doubles final, given you were in the stands closely watching when your partner Mahesh lost in the men's doubles final the previous day?
Mahesh and I knew that we are at our best when we are playing aggressively and we would stand the best chance of winning if we stuck to this.u00a0
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Say cheese! Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi with their Australian Open mixed doubles winners trophy at Melbourne Park. pic/AFP

Did you really want to win it for Mahesh as he would've been very disappointed to return home empty-handed after making two finals?
Of course! I wanted to win it for Mahesh. But I also wanted to win (first Grand Slam title) for myself and for my country.
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Mahesh is a seasoned doubles player, but on a lighter note, does he shout at you when you make mistakes during practice or matches?
Not really because we are great friends on and off the court.

Mahesh said you were at your aggressive best out there and he actually told you that you were playing like a 'woman possessed'. Tell us more about that...
Yes, I did want to win very badly. And I'm really happy that it reflected positively in my game. I think I have improved a lot on my doubles skills having played with a maestro like Mahesh.
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Do you think you have silenced your critics with this title?
I do hope that the so-called 'critics' learn to respect sportspersons.

You've partnered Leander Paes at the 2006 Doha Asiad and now Mahesh in Melbourne. Could you compare their styles of play as partners?
I think they (Leander and Mahesh) are two of the greatest doubles players that I have had the privilege of playing alongside. But probably, Mahesh compliments my game better because while his biggest strength is his backhand, I favour my forehand.
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You must be really disappointed not being able to represent the country at the Fed Cup due to injury. Would you like to reveal details of the problem?
It is definitely very disappointing! There is a three-centimeter tear in my abdominal muscle, which has been very painful. According to doctors, it had the potential of getting serious if I continued playing.

What is the rest period that has been prescribed to you?
My doctors have prescribed a week's rest. They are confident that I should be back as soon as that heals.

When will your fans be able to see you back in action?
I'm hoping to be able to play in next week's Pattaya Women's Open (Feb 9-16) in Thailand.