Son Izhaan to be Sania Mirza's new companion on tour

It is go-time for Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. With just 3 months to go before she aims to make a comeback on women's doubles tour, search for a new partner will be intensified. So far it's been a few feelers here and re, but Sania will w officially put her status as 'looking for partner' on WTA players portal.        

It won't be easy as former world number one has been away from tour for nearly two years, having her first child Izhaan who is w almost one. 

"I'm t too tense because I have t put too many expectations from my return. I want to be back for sure because never did I ever feel that this is it. While I kw I can't just expect to be back at level I was immediately, I really miss game, court and want to be back. I could have walked away happy with my career, but I do feel I have tennis left in me. Getting a new partner can take time and usually it is sealed only a couple of weeks before tournaments, so re is nervousness."

Sania, who will turn 33 in vember, is open on how to plan her return from morhood. "It is quite possible that I will get a few partners only for a tournament or two, but that's just how it goes. More important is to get a feel of game again and get some match practice under my belt."

Sania is aiming to hit road from Australian hard court leg, playing two of smaller events in Hobart and Auckland before first slam of year, Australian Open.

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Sania has lost 24 kgs in last 4 months and has already done a stint of intense training with her former trainer Robert Ballard for 6 weeks in Dubai. Since n it's been a lot of gym and training on her own before she amps it up again in off-season with a month to go.

"I would be lying if I said my body is same and is responding same. Recovery takes longer w but I'm also two years older. Overall I'm happy with how quickly I was back walking, training, gymming and it's been good so far. But playing week after week is different and I will just have to wait and see how my body responds to that."

But physicality is only half battle. 

"Two years ago when I had to stop I genuinely didn't kw if I will ever be back. But motivation is still re. It's inspirational to see many mors on Tour today. But even if that wasn't case I feel I would attempted a comeback. Today mentality had changed too. longer is your career over after a baby."

In fact it is having her baby travel on Tour with her that is new unique experience Sania is looking forward to. "I really want to do it. It will be hard but I'm lucky to have a great support system. It will be amazing to have Izhaan with me while I play."

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Sania has some second-hand experience in this playing with Cara Black, for one of her most successful partnerships, at a time when Cara used to travel with her son. With one year of morhood under her belt, Sania confesses time manment has been toughest battle.

"It is draining doubt, both mentally and physically especially w that I'm training and will spend more and more time on court. As a mor I have to spend certain amount of time with him, and managing that on tour will be toughest challenge. It still tugs at my heart when I'm leaving house for example and he doesn't want to let me go!"

Hyderabadi has a protected ranking of 9 for 10 tournaments once she makes her comeback that will help her get entry into events. But once on court, it really will be like beginning from scratch and making your way up ladder bit by bit.

Sania is hesitant to set any goals yet, but re is a dream at back of her mind.

''While comeback is more personal for me, I do want to play Tokyo Olympics 2020. I could t have even imagined playing ar Olympics 3 years ago, but I'm lucky to be in a position where I can attempt it again.''

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