WATCH: India legend Sania Mirza says goodbye to Tennis; MC Stan performs after farewell match

Sania Mirza, a tennis icon from India, finished her career where it all began. On Sunday, March 5, Mirza played her final game in Hyderabad’s Lal Bahadur Stadium after taking part in a few exhibition matches. Mirza broke down as her illustrious career came to an end.

Mirza has about 20 years of experience playing tennis and has revolutionized not only women’s tennis in the country but also women’s sports in general. Mirza paved the way and encouraged several young Indian girls to get involved in sports and pursue careers in them.

In her final outing, Sania played a few friendly matches with several of her career partners, including Rohan Bopanna, Ivan Dodig, Cara Black, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and Marion Bartoli. Many government representatives were there, including Kiren Rijiju, the minister of law for the Union, and Telegana’s IT minister, both of whom praised Sania for her impressive career.

In Hyderabad, MC Stan performed live to celebrate the special moment, and former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was present to take part in the historic event. Yuvraj also participated in one of the games honoring Sania’s incredible career.

Watch it here:

It was so difficult for not many to believe in a young kid taking up tennis, more so a girl: Sania Mirza 

“I am thankful to each and everyone for the kind of send-off given to me today. I couldn’t have asked for a better farewell. It all began here in 2002 when I won medals in the National Games. Then in 2004, I won my first WTA title (doubles). As someone said, it has been a one-handed drive for me. Yes, it has been an honour to represent the country at the highest level for 20 long years,” Mirza said as she got emotional.

“It was so difficult for not many to believe in a young kid taking up tennis, more so a girl. But, it was only my parents who believed in me and have been with me right through this journey. Yes, I am going to (…pauses for a long moment wiping off the tears even as the crowds lustily chanted Sania Sania) to miss the game,” the Bangalore franchise mentor added.

“But I can tell you I will be there with the Telangana Government and the Sports Authority of Telangana State to produce another Sania. In fact, we need more and more Sanias and will work for that for sure. These are happy tears. I miss you guys,” the 36-year-old concluded.