Speculation over who would partner Sania Mirza at the Australian Open in the mixed doubles after her rift with Mahesh Bhupathi following the Olympics row has been going for a while now.
The name of her partner is finally out and is as per speculations it is World No.1 doubles player, the American Bob Bryan.Sania is currently ranked 12th in the doubles ranking and has won two mixed doubles titles with Bhupati, the last being the French Open in 2012, the other the 2009 Australian Open.
Bob Bryan has won a total of 19 Grand Slam titles, 12 doubles and seven mixed doubles.
Bryan has had a celebrated career thus far, and his decision to partner Sania is a great news for her, the Indian Tennis fraternity and the fans.
The only consideration is their similar style of play and how they adjust and perform is hopefully worth waiting.
Bob in an interview to a daily said, “Sania is a great player. So when we started talking about playing the Australian Open in 2-13, it was a no-brainer.”
“With two grand slams under her belt, Sania has already proven herself to be a great doubles player. She has great returns and volleys which makes for a very good combination.”
As Indians, though we would have liked the Indian pairing of Sania and Bhupati to continue, given their recent success, but come January 2013, we expect a good showing from Sania and Bryan. Hope the Indian lady gets another Grand Slam title in her kitty and do herself and the Indians proud.