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This article was first published 12 years ago

I am hopeful of receiving Olympics wild card: Sania

Last updated on: June 8, 2012 18:12 IST

Image: Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi in action during the mixed doubles final on Thursday
Photographs: Mike Hewitt / Getty Images

The timing of a Grand Slam title victory could not have been better for Sania Mirza, who is desperately seeking a wild card entry into the London Olympics, which, in all probability, is her last chance to become an Olympic medal winner.

- Birthday boy Bhupathi wins mixed doubles with Mirza

Sania, the flag-bearer of Indian women's tennis, won her second Grand Slam trophy along with Mahesh Bhupathi, on Thursday, at the French Open, on the physically demanding clay courts of Roland Garros.

When all national associations will be frantically pushing the cases of their players with the ITF for six available wild cards, Thursday's triumph has come at the right time for Sania, who missed the rankings cut in doubles.

She is now confident that her teaming up with Bhupathi, whose Grand Slam kitty has swelled to 12, will make them strong medal contenders at the London event.

"Each day is a new day in tennis but we have made it clear that we are the team to beat in any tournament," Sania said.

'I am hopeful about a wild card at the Olympics'

Image: Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi celebrate with the trophy
Photographs: Mike Hewitt / Getty Images

Sania feels this win has strengthened her case to get a wild card for the London Games, beginning July end.

"I think winning the French Open title is an achievement in itself. We have shown once again that we are a tough team to beat. I am hopeful about a wild card at the Olympics," she said.

Sania had scripted history in 2009 by becoming the first Indian woman tennis player to win a Grand Slam when she won the Australian Open mixed doubles title with Bhupathi.

Now that Sania has tasted success at a tennis major for the second time in her career, does it feel different from the first time?

"To win a Grand Slam is always special and I think Mahesh is as thrilled as I am at winning his 12th Grand Slam title," she said.

"It's just now that the feeling of winning my second Grand Slam is sinking in. It's absolutely amazing," she added.

'Right now, I want to enjoy my second Grand Slam title'

Image: Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi
Photographs: Mike Hewitt / Getty Images

Out of four major titles, Sania now has two in her pocket. She has every chance to complete a career Grand Slam and it can happen this year itself with the two missing trophies up for grabs in the remainder of the season.

Leander Paes is the only Indian player to complete a Slam. Bhupathi has won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open but the Australian Open is still missing from his cabinet.

However, Sania just wants to savour her victory in Paris and does not want to think much ahead.

"Right now, I want to enjoy my second Grand Slam title."
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