Sania Mirza never thought she can't be number one. On Sunday, that belief turned to reality. And Sania didn't forget to thank those who pushed her to achieve her goal - the detractors.
On a pedestal no Indian woman tennis player had the privilege to stand on, the new world No. 1 was understandably elated. With a victory in the Family Circle Cup final partnering Martina Hingis, Sania made India proud.
Hingis, a former No. 1 singles player who came out of retirement to play doubles, and Sania have now won three events on the trot, including Indian Wells and Miami titles before Sunday's Family Circle Cup. And they are unbeaten since joining hands.
Sania Mirza never thought she can't be number one. On Sunday, that belief turned to reality. (Getty Images)
"I can't think of a better person to do it with. When we came here, we had one thing in mind, to get No. 1, and she really helped me get there," Sania said during the presentation ceremony. "She helped me through some tough moments this week. She's just a great person and a great player. We also become the No. 1 team in the world today with this," she was quick to remind.
And it didn't take long for the kid in Sania to come out with a cheeky response.
"I don't want to make you feel old, but I did watch you as a kid!" she said, sending the crowd and Hingis in splits. "You were an idol to most young girls at the time. You made it when you were 15!"
Sania then took to Twitter thanking fans and detractors alike.
"This is a dream come true and I dedicate this back to u guys. I also wanna thank the ppl who didn't believe in me. You just pushed me harder and made me more determined to fulfil my dreams," the tennis ace tweeted.
"I hav so many people to thank but first and foremost I want to thank God. I feel so so blessed ...I wanna thank my family,my loved ones,friends,my coaches over the years,my partners and u guys who believed in me and supported me," Sania said in series of tweets.
And she didn't forget to empower and motivate fellow women.
"One last thing I'd like to tell all the young girls-BELIEVE- believe in yourself so strongly that the world can't help but believe in u too," Sania wrote.
Sania's next assignment is the Fed Cup Group II Asia-Oceania tie from April 14 in her hometown Hyderabad where she will lead India's challenge.
(With agency inputs)
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