Sania Mirza Will Not Play Tennis in India
Article by Aaress Lawless on Feb 4, 2008 | Print |
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Sania Mirza at the 2006 Hyderabad Open (Image by Johndavid000)
India’s most famous athlete has decided to skip the upcoming Bangalore Open amid mounting criticism and controversy.
Upon the advice of her manager, ATP Tour player Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza said on Monday that she will not enter India’s largest Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournament.
“At this moment, I have been advised by my manager not to play,” said Mirza to reporters from her hometown of Hyderabad.
“A lot has been happening in the last few months, everytime I have played in India there has been some kind of problem so we just thought it was better not to play at this point.”
The problems Mirza referred to include a fatwa over her dress, a confrontation with religious leaders over the filming of an advertisement near a mosque, and most recently, allegations that she dishonored the Indian flag during the Hopman Cup.
“The way things have panned out in the last few months is very unfortunate,” Bhupathi told India’s NDTV.
“In the wake of two controversies back-to-back it’s probably the right thing for her.”
Bangalore Open officials were not previously informed of Mirza’s decision, and stated earlier today when announcing the participation of Venus Williams that they were unaware why Mirza chose not to enter the tournament.
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