Sania determined to extend winning streak

Having claimed three consecutive Grand Slam titles, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza is determined to extend her winning streak with Swiss veteran Martina Hingis.

The Indo-Swiss combination have won 12 titles so far, including the Wimbledon, the US Open, WTA Tour Finals and the recently concluded Australian Open. It was the first Australian Open women's doubles title for Sania and her sixth Grand Slam triumph overall, including three mixed doubles crowns.

"It's an unreal feeling. We haven't lost a match in a long time but also to win three grand slams in a row...it's what really dreams are made of and I am really excited. It was a perfect way to start the year. We feel really happy. Three slams in a row - who would have thought! I am taking a couple of days off before going to Fed Cup in Thailand," Sania told reporters here on Monday.

"I will leave for Delhi and then for Thailand for Fed Cup and then go to St. Petersburg," she added.

Sania and Martina have also registered the second longest winning streak in recent tennis history. They defeated the Czech duo of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in straight sets in the Australian Open final for their 36th win in a row. Sania asserted that the star duo will strive to maintain their winning run and will try and enjoy it as long as it lasts.

"Nothing is certain. We still have to go out there and give our best and try and play the best that we can. Fortunately we have been able to do this for so many months and the whole year has been incredible. But the last six months especially," she said.

"So we are going to keep trying to do that. I think we all know, in sports everyone loses and at some point we are going to lose and until we lose we are going to try and enjoy this streak," the 29-year-old Hyderabadi said.

Sania, who was named for Padma Bhusan recently, said she feels honoured to be conferred with the prestigious award.

"I am very honoured and I hope I can be here in the country (to receive the award) and it would be amazing. I was here for the Khel Ratna and hopefully I can be here. It's a great honour for me and I feel privileged," she said.