In an exclusive chat with ESPN STAR Sports, Sania Mirza exuded confidence that it will not be long before she shines in singles.

By Sudeer Mahavaadi

Q: From when were you nurturing the Australian Open conquest in your mind?

Ans: Well for quite some time. In fact since I had done well at Junior level in Wimbledon I was sure one-day I would achieve this at senior level. Like any tennis player I had been just dreaming and it eventually came true, that too paring with fellow countryman, whom I have known well. We have been assosiated for a long time, so it was really something special for me.

Q: How did you celebrate it first and with whom?

Ans: Well first of all even on the court I had little time - we were straight to the hotel rooms and till yesterday evening we had been travelling from one place to another before coming to Hyderabad. And My mother had arranged a surprise party for us the other day. We were with all family members, relatives.

Q: How did Mahesh and you motivate each other mainly after his loss a day before? Did he look disappointed?

Ans: Well he was disappointed. But he is a great motivator of himself. It was there in the initial stages, but once we started playing winning games - it was different Mahesh. He is a great player. He has always motivted me in my career. After losing in the finals last year, We were very stubborn this time and it was mainly tough for him to play back to back just after twenty four hours but thank God everything went well.

Q: Mainly after suffering big wrist injury did you expect this to happen? How did you motivate yourself?

Ans: Well it was true when I suffered this last year I was completely out for almost six months. I was just cursing myself. Mainly when you suffer wrist injuries it becomes more difficult. And since I use my wrist most of the time it was really frustrating. Just leave about holding raquet, I was not able to eat food myself. Thank God I overcame it after a long treatment. I really had a tough time. My parents encouragement during that phase is something I cannot forget. My passion and love for the sport made me work hard and I just waited patiently.

Q: How difficult was it for you playing straight such a big tournament?

Ans: Well it was never going to be easy for me. But The Hong Kong tournament we played before helped me a lot, although I had a bad time there. Even during the Australian open I was having some abdominal problems. I was not concentrating on that much, I knew I would be mentally disturbing myself. I took pain-killer everyday during the tournament. As we went on winning it boosted my confidence. Even Mahesh depended on pills the whole tournament.

Q: Is that the reason you are skipping the Federation Cup?

Ans: May be one of the reasons. As I said when you pick up raquet after six months and play big tournaments things become tough. I am just getting better and better. I am absolutely happy with my wrist. Just imagine my return of speed was 210 km recently. that means my wrist is supporting me the way it did in the past. But I have some abdominal problems. I don't say I am unfit, but match fitness is different. A week rest and I am sure will do the best for me.

Q: How will this benefit you in future?

Ans: It is certainly going to boost my confidence a lot. It was one of dreams. I am getting better and better with my serve and return of serve. Only thing is I should be injury free for long time. I am sure I going to do do better in many forth coming grand slams.

Q: Still you have not lived upto the expectations in singles. Does it worry you?

Ans: Well certainly it worries me a lot. But when you look at my performances over the last few years, there has been considerable improvement. I know the expectations are always high and hope it will not be long before I do well in singles in the coming grand slams. You also pray for me.

Q: What exactly are the reasons and how do you mainly react to the critics?

Ans: Well I have always worked hard. Never taken anything lightly in my career. SometimeS I could not be injury free during the big meets. I know there has been lot of criticism around. I accept this. Yes I could not repeat the same junior level performance. One day I will answer everyone with my raquet. I am pretty confident of it. But let me mention the truth, a grand slam is a grand slam - whter double or singles.

Q: Is it true that you once said that you never wanted to play in India?

Ans: Absolutely untrue. It was just blown up. I never said I would never play in India. May be that time I might have said for a week and the media mistook. I have always loved to play in India and I will continue to do that. Only thing is you don't get to play in good tournaments all the time in India - this has been the only worrying factor. Tell me who does Not like to play in the country which has given you so much honour. I understand the interest of the lovers, who get up at 5 and get ready for the live action.

Q: Do rankings going down bother you? Did you look at today's paper?

Ans: I am sorry I don't get enough time to read news papers these days. But to be frank it hardly bothers. I just concentrate on my game. I know this time it was going to be 10 points down than up. Just imagine when you start playing after six months gap how can they go up. It is pretty obvious.

Q: Your opinion on the young Yuki Bhambri?

Ans: Well he is a great talent. I am happy about his performances but I believe we wont pressurise him. I know when I did well at junior level there was lot of pressure on me, let him play and do better before he really comes along.

Q: Your next few tournaments?

Ans: Well I am going to Dubai next week to paly and before that I am going to Thailand.

Q: You consulted any doctor here in Hyderabad?

Ans: Once I finish off the interviews I might consult my doctor in Delhi before I fly to Bangkok.