Sania Mirza turned 40 on Nov. 15, marking a milestone for the player who reshaped Indian women’s tennis on the international stage.
Roots in Mumbai and Hyderabad
Born in Mumbai on Nov. 15, 1986, Mirza grew up in a Hyderabadi Muslim family. Her father, Imran Mirza, worked as a sports journalist, while her mother, Nasima, managed a printing business. The family relocated to Hyderabad shortly after her birth, where she spent her childhood and received her early education.
Mirza Began Playing Tennis at Age Six
Guided by her father, Mirza picked up a tennis racquet at the age of six. Her father served as her initial coach, teaching her the fundamentals of the game. Her dedication yielded early success on the junior circuit, where she claimed several prominent titles before turning professional.
Making History at Wimbledon
Mirza turned professional in 2003, the same year she won the Wimbledon girls’ doubles title. That victory made her the first Indian woman to win a junior Grand Slam event. Over her career, she accumulated six Grand Slam titles, split evenly with three in women’s doubles and three in mixed doubles.
Reaching World Number One
Mirza became the first female tennis player from India to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in doubles. In singles competition, she reached a career-high ranking inside the top 30, setting a benchmark for Indian women in the sport.
Indian Government Awarded Her Several Civilian and Sporting Honors
The Indian government recognized her contributions to sports with several of the nation’s highest civilian and sporting honors. Her list of accolades includes the Padma Shri, the Arjuna Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and the Padma Bhushan.
Mirza Married Shoaib Malik and Later Separated
Mirza married former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik in Hyderabad on April 12, 2010, after which the couple settled in Dubai. They welcomed a son, Izhan, in 2018. The couple separated in 2023, ending their marriage.
Keep reading
