Sania Mirza coming up with her own tennis academy in March 2013

With an aim to give back something to the sport that brought her fame and wealth, Sania Mirza is now all set to start her own tennis academy in Hyderabad, where youngsters will get quality training at an affordable price.

The academy is under construction near the outskirts of the city ands is expected to be launched in March next year.

"I had been thinking about it for past few years now. I always wanted to give something back to sport and to India in whatever way. Sharing experience and trying to provide players a platform to perform at the highest level is the best way to give something back to the game," Sania said during an exclusive interview.

"Hopefully, if not in the next 5 years, may be in 10 years, 12 years, we will have players coming out of that academy," she added.

The academy is being constructed on a four acre land and will have nine hard courts to start with. Gradually, there will be nine more hard courts along with three clay courts.

Sania's father Imran Mirza who is writing a book on the journey of her star daughter informed that they are planning to rope in a few sponsors so that the trainees at the academy find it easy to train.

"We want to make it affordable for them," he said.

Sania's former mixed doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi had also opened an academy in Bangalore in the past.

Talking about the season, nearing end, Sania said she was satisfied with her performance.

"It's been great. As tennis players you are never satisfied. We are greedy as players, always want better result. I played six finals, won a Grand Slam and made the final of China open which is the biggest tournament after Slam. So, it's been a great year," she said.

... contd.

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