Page 9 - Sportskeeda's Indian Sportsperson of the Year 2016

Sportskeeda's Indian Sportsperson of the Year 2016 – No. 15 to No. 6

Modified Dec 30, 2016 10:59 IST

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 05: Pankaj Arjan Advani of India poses after claiming the Gold Medal in the Men's English Billiards Singles Final match against Ashok Harishankar Shandil Ya of India during day five of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 at Al Sadd Sports Complex on December 5, 2006 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images for DAGOC) — *Pankaj Advani won his 12th World Billiards Championship*

#7 Sania Mirza

SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 28: Sania Mirza of India signs a tennis ball after partnering Martina Hingis of Switzerland in their doubles match against Hao-Ching Chan and Yung-Jan Chan of Republic of China during day 6 of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore at Singapore Sports Hub on October 28, 2016 in Singapore. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — Sania Mirza won the women’s doubles at the Australian Open

Sania Mirza is undoubtedly the best tennis talent that India has produced in recent years. In 2016, she showed yet again why she is one of the top players around the world. This year she started off by winning the Australian Open women’s doubles title along with Martina Hingis.

However, after winning two more trophies the pair split up despite having an extremely successful partnership. Together they won 41 titles – the third highest in women’s doubles history. Sania also made it to the finals of the French Open mixed doubles but lost out to Leander Paes and Hingis.

Pairing up with Barbora Strycova in women’s doubles, Sania continued her good run by winning three more tournaments and finishing as a runner-up in one. Later on, the Indian ace teamed up with Hingis yet again at the 2016 WTA Finals in Singapore but lost out in the semi-finals.

To remain World Number 1 in the WTA doubles rankings for 84 straight weeks is an incredible achievement and her performances throughout the year see her secure 7^th spot.

Edited by Staff Editor