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 Mirza has long been the face of the women's game in India and her
high-profile cross-border wedding to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib
Malik five years ago placed her in a unique position.
Her rise to the top ranking in WTA doubles was hailed in both
countries, though they remain suspicious of each after fighting
three wars since independence in 1947.
Malik's international career has stalled since his last one-day
match two years ago, but Mirza last month became the first Indian to
climb to the top after winning the Family Circle Cup in Charleston,
South Carolina, her third successive title partnered with Martina
Hingis.
"It feels good," Mirza told Reuters in an interview.
"Me and my husband, we live in a kind of extraordinary situation
because we both are professional athletes from different countries
who still represent their own country after marriage and I don't
think that happens very often.
"We both are very active, still playing and it's great if it can
inspire not just people in India and Pakistan but hopefully girls
can pick up tennis racquets in the whole subcontinent, really think
that sports can be a career option.
"That does not come first to the head of any girl or parent ...
Whether it's India, Pakistan or anywhere in the subcontinent, I'd
like to believe people hopefully will get a little inspired by this
and hopefully things change."
Once a top 30 singles player with a potent forehand, Mirza was the
first Indian to win a WTA singles title in 2005, but after battling
knee and wrist injuries, feels her switch to doubles has been
vindicated.
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"I ended my singles career solely for the reason that my body was
not just able to take it anymore," said Mirza, calling it a "surreal
feeling" to top the doubles rankings.
"I had three surgeries in seven-eight years and in those years ...
it was either playing doubles or not playing tennis at all. I love
tennis too much to have given up on it so soon."
Finally at peace, Mirza has set herself a couple of goals.
"It would be great to try and get records on how long I stay there
and definitely try and win a women's doubles grand slam which has
not happened. (I) have come close so many times even though (I) won
mixed grand slams. Hopefully try and end the year at one, if not
this year, next year."
(Editing by Ian Ransom)
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