As Sania Mirza heads to Charleston to play the WTA Charleston Open, she took time to speak to ITD to review her performance in Miami
Results
[R1] Sania Mirza (IND,50) / Kirsten Flipkens (BEL,315) d. Leylah Farnabdez (CAN,22) / Ingrid Neel (USA,78) 63 76(2)
[R2] Sania Mirza (IND,50) / Kirsten Flipkens (BEL,315) d. (7) Demi Schurrs (NED,16) / Desirae Krawczyk (USA,21) 62 64
[QF] Sania Mirza (IND,50) / Kirsten Flipkens (BEL,315) l. Zaoxuan Yang (CHN,34) / Ekatarina Alexandrova (RUS,54) 36 67(4)
Thoughts on the match?
We had our chances. We had our moments in the first set like 3-3 30-30 and we didn`t take those chances. With this format, when you don’t take those couple of chances, things change fast and it will be the difference between winning and losing.
We play fine, cant say we played bad but we just didnt play well enough on those important points.
What were the key moments that were decisive from your perspective?
Getting broken at 3-4 was not ideal. We were still able to come back and do well and be up 6-5.
The first 2-3 points of the tie break are the most important as they set the tone and unfortunately we were not able to get one of them. When you take 2 out of the first 3 points, you are always up in the tie breakers. In the 1st round, we won the first 3 points of the tie break and took off from there. We could not do it this time and these things make a big difference.
We cannot always play a perfect match but if we can manage to play the important points well, that makes the big difference.
You have been playing at Miami since 2005. The last time you were here here in 2017 – you were the finalist. You won here with Hingis before. Any special memories of Miami both on and off the court that you`d like to call out?
I like coming to Miami. I have friends here. Also its with places where you win, it will be one of your favorite places to play. I have been able to do that at both Indian Wells and Miami a couple of times.
Its been a hunting ground both on and off the court. I have a lot of fun here. There are lot of things to do, good places to eat. So its always a great vibe.
Thoughts on Ash Barty`s retirement – you played against her in Adelaide this year. Any memories from on / off the court with her, that stand out for you.
She has been amazing. She will go down as one of the greatest in our sport – not just for how she played but for the person she was. It takes a lot to be a champion on and off the court.
I completely respect the approach that one has to live by own terms. It is something that I have done all my life. Kudos to her and wish her the best.
What is your schedule like for the next 2-3 months?
I will be playing with Lucie Hradecká in Charleston. Then will play the Billie Jean King Cup, then take the week off and then do Madrid, Rome, week off and then French Open.
Photos
