Much-needed hope for women in sports: Shoaib Malik lauds Sania Mirza's thriving career

Indian trailblazer Sania Mirza stepped down from the Grand Slam tennis on Friday after facing defeat in the Australian Open mixed-doubles final. After the match, a teary-eyed Mirza gave a heartwarming speech announcing her withdrawal, which led an array of fans and colleagues to lend their support to her online. Included among the well-wishers is none other than her husband, Shoaib Malik.

Taking to Twitter, Malik shared a picture of the ace tennis player at the Grand Slam tournament. He also penned down a heartfelt message for her.

"You are the much needed hope for all the women in sports. I'm super proud of you for all your achievements in your journey. You're an inspiration for many, keep going strong. Many congratulations on an unbelievable career," wrote the Pakistani cricketer.

Mirza also bid her adieu with a moving speech post-match. "Rohan was my first-ever mixed-doubles partner at (aged) 14 and we won the nationals," said Mirza at the event. "It was a long time ago, 22 years ago, and I couldn't think of a better person – he's one of my best friends and best partners – to finish my career here and to play the final. There's no better place for me, or person for me, to finish my Grand Slam career."

Mirza also mentioned how her young son Izhaan's presence made the match more memorable. "I never thought that I would be able to play in front of my child in a Grand Slam final, so it's truly special to have my four-year-old and my parents here," she shared.

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