Unnecessary controversies are affecting Indian ace Sania Mirza's [Images] performance at the top level, All India Tennis Association Secretary General Anil Khanna said in a press statement.
Sania, who crashed in the quarterfinals out of the Moorilla Hobart International WTA on Wednesday, was embroiled in another controversy when an advocate filed a case against her for disrespecting the Tricolour.
''It is unfortunate that a photograph taken during the Hopman Cup, in which Sania was representing India, has created serious misunderstanding in the minds of some people who are now taking this issue too far," Khanna said in a release through Globosport.
"Sania respects the national flag and the interest of the nation is too close to her heart and such issues should not be pursued beyond a point in the best interest of the country."
''It is most unfortunate that Sania Mirza's name is being dragged unnecessarily from one controversy to the other. Such situations are seriously affecting her performance and will surely have an influence on her achieving high ranking position to qualify for the Olympics [Images] both in singles as well as doubles."
"Sania is a great nationalist and has been the flag bearer of the Indian Women Team since the 2002 Asian Games.
"India is going to be playing the Fed Cup in Bangkok towards the end of the month and it is more important for the country to keep Sania's mind free from distractions and unnecessary controversies.
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