“Thirty (yes, 30!) years ago a 6 year old girl from Nasr School in Hyderabad, walked on to a tennis court at Nizam Club with her young mom and fought the coach to let her learn how to play tennis as he thought that she was too little :)”

This is how Sania Mirza’s tweet on Friday began. The long emotional statement confirmed her retirement after the Dubai Open in February. The 36-year-old will make her last grand slam appearance at the Australian Open.

“As I look back at my career now...To win medals for my country has been my biggest honour and I feel truly humbled to have been able to stand up on the podium... I was privileged enough to achieve have tears in my eyes and goosebumps even as I type this,” she added.

Ending the tweet with a hint at a “slightly quieter and calmer life” where she will be able to spend more time with her son, she wrote “”Game. Set. Celebrate! Here’s to new beginnings. Love.”

Novak happy with reception

Novak Djokovic (left) and Nick Kyrgios after their practice match in Melbourne on Friday. Getty Images

Melbourne: Novak Djokovic said he felt “emotional” following a warm reception from fans upon his return to Melbourne Park for a practice match against Nick Kyrgios on Friday.

Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against Covid-19 and received a three-year travel ban for the country.

However, the former world No.1’s visa ban was waived in November.

“I’m very happy, thank you so much,” Djokovic said before the match, to loud cheers from the crowd.

“I feel a bit emotional right now, to be honest. I was really looking forward to coming back to this court, so thank you all, guys, for coming out tonight for a great cause.”

Djokovic and Kyrgios won a shortened set apiece in the practice match, before playing a tiebreaker alongside wheelchair players David Wagner and Heath Davidson as well as two juniors.

Reuters