Sania launches her autobiography

Sania Mirza has revealed that while recovering from one of her surgeries in 2010 she had gone through a phase where she had cut herself off from even her family as she brooded over her future in the game.

Speaking at the launch of her book Ace Against Odds by actor Shah Rukh Khan at the Falaknuma Palace here on Wednesday evening, the six-time Grand Slam champion said the specific objective of coming out with an autobiography (written with Shivani Gupta) was to present her side of the story.

Recalling the experience of writing about an especially tough phase in her career, Sania said: “It was tough to recap the three serious surgeries, with the third one in 2010 being the most depressing. That was the phase when I shut myself away from everyone at home and used to spend hours alone in my room, wondering whether I would play again the sport I loved so much.”

Sania went on to say that it was on a high that she would want to quit — “whenever it happens” — and spoke of her intense desire to win a couple of more Majors in the days to come. “For me, the greatest satisfaction was when I became the World No.1 in women’s doubles though there were many other special moments — like winning the Grand Slams,” she said. “And, the sense of pride I feel every time I represent my country in any international event is something which is unmatched.”

On his part, Shah Rukh said he had agreed to be part of the function not just because of his friendship with the Mirzas but also as a token of recognition of Sania’s outstanding achievements amidst adversity. I sincerely wish that all the ladies and the girls are given their due respect by all of us for there are many who badly need such care and affection and respect, to see India produce more champions in all fields,” he said.