In 2009, Sania Mirza had first kissed success in the Australian Open when she had partnered Mahesh Bhupathi to win the mixed doubles crown defeating Nathalie Dechy and Andy Ram. On Friday, Sania will once again play a mixed doubles final at the year’s first slam, but this time it is set to be her last.

With Rohan Bopanna as her partner, Sania will take on the Brazilian pair of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos for the title.

She has played tennis at the top level for more than 18 years now, but Sania remains as competitive as ever and will give it her all in her “last dance”. After a gruelling semi-final win over Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski, this is what Sania had to say: “I play every match trying to win, whether it’s my last tournament or my last slam or my first slam. For me, competitiveness is in my blood.”

While Sania is 36, Bopanna is 42. If the final goes the distance, it will be a test of grit for the Indians against the younger Stefani (25) and Matos (27).