Dubai, Feb 21 (IANS) Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on Tuesday ended her magnificent 20-year-long career with a defeat in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, here.
The 36-year-old India legend lost in straight sets along with American partner Madison Keys in women's doubles tie. The pair went 4-6 0-6 down to Russian pair of Veronika Kudermetova and Liudmila Samsonova in one hour long battle.
A mother to 4-year-old boy Izhaan, Mirza, who had turned pro back in 2003, ended her glorious career with six Grand Slam trophies.
Three of those came in women's doubles with Swiss great Martina Hingis. The other three were in mixed doubles, two of which were with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi - 2009 Australian Open and 2012 French Open - while the other one was a US Open trophy with Bruno Soares.
Earlier last month, Sania was denied a fairytale ending to her Grand Slam career after she lost in the Australian Open mixed doubles final with Rohan Bopanna.
ADVT
Sports
Sania Mirza bids farewell to tennis after first round defeat at Dubai Duty Free Championships
MORE Sports ARTICLES
Canucks Recall Defenceman Yannick Weber, Centre Alex Friesen From AHL Comets
The team announced the moves Wednesday night.
Canucks Recall Defenceman Yannick Weber, Centre Alex Friesen From AHL Comets
Travis Lulay Ok With Playing Second Fiddle To Jonathon Jennings For B.C. Lions
After five years as the B.C. Lions' undisputed No. 1 quarterback, there was no doubt the torch had been passed to Jonathon Jennings.
Travis Lulay Ok With Playing Second Fiddle To Jonathon Jennings For B.C. Lions
Whitecaps Head Coach Carl Robinson Not Afraid To Make Difficult Choices
VANCOUVER — Carl Robinson showed early in his head coaching career that he won't shy away from tough decisions.
Whitecaps Head Coach Carl Robinson Not Afraid To Make Difficult Choices
B.C. Lions Re-Sign Kick-Returner Chris Rainey To Two-year Contract
The Lions announced the deal prior to the CFL free agent deadline of noon ET.
B.C. Lions Re-Sign Kick-Returner Chris Rainey To Two-year Contract
Vancouver Whitecaps Sign 2016 First-Round Pick Cole Seiler
Vancouver took the centre back with the 16th selection in last month's MLS SuperDraft.
Vancouver Whitecaps Sign 2016 First-Round Pick Cole Seiler
Canada Beats Uruguay 33-17 To Open 2016 Americas Rugby Championship
Phil Mackenzie, Nick Blevins and Alistair Clark also had tries as the Canadians opened up a 19-0 lead just 25 minutes into the match.