Playing in one format mentally tough, says Sania

Indian top women's tennis star Sania Mirza today said that while confining herself to playing in doubles was good for her body physically it was, at the same time, a mentally draining affair.
"I am playing in one format which is a lot easy on my body, but mentally it's tough. Peaking for 25 weeks a year is not easy," world No 1 in doubles, she was conferred with the honorary life membership of the Cricket Club of India.
Sania, who had won the US Open doubles crown with Swiss partner Martina Hingis after grabbing the Wimbledon title for back-to-back Grand Slam women's doubles titles, explained how difficult it was to keep playing non-stop on the pro circuit.

"The main thing is to peak for the (Grand) Slams, but it's very tough and one of the hardest things to do mentally. But tennis players are used to it. I have already played 60 matches this year, close to 50 of those with Martina - which are a lot of matches."
The Hyderabad-based player said while chemistry between partners off the field was not essential, it helps during a difficult period in matches on court.
"We don't have to be best of friends. But at Wimbledon when we were 5-2 down in the third set, during the break (between games) it was chemistry that helped us pull through. We have to trust each other's ability on court," she added.

She was referring to the 5-7, 7-6, 7-5 win she and Martina achieved over Russian rivals Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in the women's doubles summit clash.
"Martina loves India. India has been good for her," she added referring to the Swiss player's partnership in women's doubles as well as mixed doubles with another Indian ace - Leander Paes.
Asked about the remainder of the season, Sania said on paper it would be considered a failure if she and Martina do not clinch the two tournaments they are taking part in - the Guangzhou International Women's Open, starting tomorrow in China, and the WTA year-end finals at Singapore from October 25 in which they are the defending champions.