Mirza played her last Grand Slam match where she and Bopanna lost the Australian Open mixed doubles final to Brazilian pair Stefani and Matos.
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza’s last Grand Slam match has ended with a loss in the Australian Open mixed doubles final.
The 36-year-old Mirza, India’s greatest women’s player, returned to Melbourne Park for one last hurrah and made it all the way to the decider on Friday.
However, she and her 42-year-old doubles partner Rohan Bopanna were unable to get over the line, losing 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 to Brazilian pair Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos.
Mirza was in tears during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Disclaimer, if I cry it is happy tears,” Mirza said. “I don’t want to take away the moment from Matos-Stefani who have deserved this.”
Mirza first appeared at a Grand Slam tournament 18 years ago in Melbourne, when she was beaten by eventual 2005 champion Serena Williams in a third-round match.
“I’ve had the privilege to come back here again and again, and win some tournaments and play some great finals." she said