Sania Mirza is gearing up to start her campaign at Montreal with her legendary partner Martina Hingis. Before leaving for Canada, Mirza spoke to her local media about Olympics and her expectations going into the event. She is partnering Rohan Bopanna in the mixed doubles event and Prarthana Thombare in women’s doubles.

She seemed to be in an optimistic frame of mind going into her third Olympics.“Unfortunately, I was injured in 2008 Beijing Olympics and then you all know what had happened in 2012 London edition as everyone was not in the 100 percent frame of mind then. But, things look better and everyone seems to be happy. The entire tennis team will be meeting in Rio on August 1 and we hope to do really well.”

Medal Prospects

Having played with Bopanna many times before, Mirza felt that the chances of a medal is more realistic in mixed doubles, but is quick to point out that the field is very tough.“Well, you go out play in any major event to win not just to participate. Every combination there will be really tough. You can’t ask for easy opponents at this level.”

Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna during the Coco-Cola IPTL 2014 [Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

The current no.1 in women's doubles had said on many occasions that the preparation for Olympics is totally different for a tennis player unlike other sports, where athletes start preparing months or years in advance. Many expected that Mirza and Bopanna would pair up for Wimbledon, but due to their prior commitments to their respective partners, they did not play together.

“Winning and losing is common for any athlete. I will go out there and give my best as I have done over the years.” 

Women's Doubles

Prarthana Thombare, with whom Mirza won an Asian Games bronze medal in 2014, is a trainee in the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy (SMTA) and is currently under the supervision of Imran Mirza, Sania’s father.

“I love her spirit and the willingness to put in that extra effort to keep improving. I think her confidence level is up now. This is the best part of her career now and she can be a much better player after the Games.” On medal hopes in women's doubles Mirza said,“Let us be realistic. I look at Olympics as a huge learning curve for Prarthana. Honestly, I am so happy for her and proud that the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy has two Olympians now."

Sania Mirza and Prarthana Thombare during the Fed-Cup tie against the Phillipines in 2014 [Photo by Noah Seelam/Getty Images]

On the possibility of running into Hingis on the other side of the court, Mirza asserts that though it is difficult to face off against a friend, they can handle it with professionalism.However, with the withdrawal of Federer, this possibility has diminished.

On the pressure and expectations on her, Mirza said that it was nothing new but in a way she is privileged to have the love and affection from millions of fans, friends, and family. 

"Let’s hope for the best and an Olympic medal should complete the set of achievements by me at the highest level.”