Fitness trainer lauds 'athletic' Sania

Renowned fitness trainer Gil Reyes, who has worked with top stars like Ana Ivanovic and Fernando Verdasco, on Monday lauded Sania Mirza's 'athleticism' after working for one week with the Indian tennis ace.

Sania, who missed India's Fed cup campaign due to an abdominal injury after winning her career's first Grand Slam mixed doubles title at the Australian Open, trained with Reynes at his training centre in Las Vegas.

Sania's coach Sven Groeneveld was also there with her during the stint.

"I have enjoyed the training sessions with Sania. I am truly impressed with her athleticism. She has natural athletic ability and has been well coached," Reyes said.

"Professional tennis has become quite physical and will continue to do so. Adding a strength and power to a natural athlete like Sania could certainly improve her tennis game, specially speed, movement and court coverage," he said.

The Spanish trainer said the kind of injury Sania picked up recently, she should be given adequate time to recover.

"It is important to respect Sania's recent wrist injury and not force the issue. However, she has been training her lower body with great focus and intensity. I can understand the enthusiasm about Sania's future and I share the enthusiasm," Reyes said.

Reyes also expressed his willingness to work with Sania again.

"I hope that her schedule will include many training days at my training centre in Las Vegas because I believe that by adding greater physical capabilities to her abundant tennis talent, Sania will enjoy a very successful career as a professional athlete."