Sania Mirza is reviewing her tennis priorities after mixed doubles was included in the 2012 London Olympics.

By Bhagya L Ayyavoo

An Olympic medal dream can sometimes make your feelings run crazy. It surely has been the case for Sania Mirza. In less than 24 hours, the Indian tennis ace has changed her mind on her priorities for the 2012 London Olympics.

Now, why is that? Because, the Summer Games will have the mixed doubles event for the first time ever. And Sania is probably dreaming.

In an exclusive telephonic chat with Mobile ESPN on Saturday, Sania who had earlier said: “2012 is still a long way off,” is now saying: “I am excited because we probably have the best chance of getting a medal in mixed doubles.” Sania, who got engaged to Sohrab Mirza in July, added with a giggle, “I think that has put a halt to my retirement plans now.”

The International Olympic Committee, by giving its nod to the mixed doubles event for the 2012 Summer Games, has done Indian tennis a huge favour. With Leander Paes (10 Major doubles titles) and Mahesh Bhupathi (11 Slams) in their prime, India will surely fancy their chances.

Sania, who won the Australian Open mixed doubles championship with Bhupathi, says, “I’m very lucky to be (playing) in this generation, to have the opportunity to be around Mahesh and Leander, two of the best doubles players of all times. I am very excited. I’ve played with both of them and I won partnering both on different occasions. I’m really excited that they have included it (mixed doubles event).”

Automatically, the next question popped out. Who would she like to partner, Leander or Mahesh? Pat comes Sania’s sizzling answer, “2012 is a long way off. I think whoever is playing better (will be the one). We have to see whether I am fit and who’s fit. We’ll have to wait and watch.”

That makes us ponder. Paes and Bhupathi, now 36 and 35 years, respectively, are likely to hang around for a couple of years. But age not on their side and tennis not for weary legs, the question is who partner Sania?

This is where Rohan Bopanna’s recent success in doubles brings some relief. Partnering Bhupathi at the Chennai Open starting January 4 will be a big step forward for the 29-year-old from Bangalore.

Sania feels the mixed doubles announcement in a way is a wake-up call to women’s tennis in the country.  “This is definitely very important. It doesn’t happen overnight. We still have a few years.”

Sania, who has been the sole flag-bearer in the women’s category for the last six years since turning pro in 2003, added, “I would love it, if there were one or two more girls playing at this level. But, that’s the way it is right now. There’s a lot of younger talent. But how big it will become is another process.”

Having said that, the world No.58 praised the 19-year-old India No.2 Poojashree Venkatesha, who has moved swiftly up the WTA rankings from a lowly 943 to a career-high 306 in one year.

 “She’s a strong girl. She is tall and has a good serve. She’s a great talent. It is great to have a young girl out there who has made such a rapid jump,” said Sania.

Sania, who had to fend for herself when she started, says today’s girls are better off and urges them to make the most of the situation.

“We’re lucky that tennis is at it best today. There is a lot of interest in terms of people and sponsors. People follow tennis in India today, which is great. I think it’s just a matter of time and patience as well as a few things falling in place.”

Amen!