Sania Mirza wins Hobart International doubles title

In a dream start to her second innings after a two-year break, Sania Mirza lifted WTA Hobart International trophy with partner Niia Kichek after edging out Shaui Peng and Shuai Zhang in final, here on Saturday. unseeded Indo-Ukrainian pair pipped second seed Chinese team 6-4 6-4 in one hour 21 minutes. Playing her first tournament after giving birth to son Izhaan, 33-year-old Sania has begun well in Olympic year as she warmed up for Australian Open in style.

RE: Barty survives Collins scare to reach elaide final

RE: Humbert and Paire set up all-French final in Auckland

Sania's first title post comeback

It is Sania's 42nd WTA doubles title and first since Brisbane International trophy in 2007 with American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Sania did t compete on WTA circuit in entire 2018 and 2019 seasons to start a family with Pakistani cricketer husband Shoaib Malik. Sania and Niia began by breaking Chinese players in very first game of match but only to drop serve in next. two pairs played close games towards end and at 4-4, 40-all, Sania and Niia got crucial break, earning opportunity to serve out set. re was twist in 10th game with Sania and Niia comfortably pocketing first set.

second set

second set could t have started better for m as y broke Chinese rivals to take an early le and consolidated break with an easy hold. game of Chinese was falling apart as y dropped serve again in third but broke back immediately to repair some dam. Sania and Niia were w feeling heat at 0-30 in sixth game but Peng and Zhang let m hold serve for a 4-2 le. Chinese though kept fighting and me it 4-4 with ar break in eighth game. Indo-Ukraine team raised its game when it mattered as it broke Peng and Zhang for one final time in ninth and served out match in next game. Sania and Niia split USD 13580 as prize money and earned 280 ranking points each for ir winning effort.

RE: Prajnesh Gunneswaran kcked out of Australian Open qualifiers

RE: Bouchard's bid for Australian Open spot ends in qualifying

(Im Courtesy: PTI)