• Dia Mirza, Anil Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh share messages for Sania.
• Dia recalls watching Sania play as a child in Nizam Club of Hyderabad.
• Riteish calls her ‘GOAT’ after losing the Australian Open mixed doubles final.

Sania Mirza, a tennis champion, gave a moving farewell speech to mark the end of her Grand Slam career. Several people in the film industry and others were touched by her words. Sania received heartfelt comments from everyone, from Dia Mirza to Riteish Deshmukh, as she sobbed in her post-match interview after losing the Australian Open mixed doubles final on Friday in Melbourne. Dia reported hearing Riteish Deshmukh refer to Sania as the “GOAT” while watching her play as a young child in Hyderabad’s Nizam Club.

Sania had begun her speech with tears in her eyes, “If I cry, these are happy tears. I don’t want to take away the moment from Matos-Stefani who have deserved this. I’m still going to play a couple more tournaments but my career started in Melbourne in 2005 when I played Serena as an 18-year-old. I have had the privilege of coming back here again and again and win tournaments here and play some great finals here. Rod Laver Arena has been really special life. I couldn’t think of a better arena to finish my last Grand Slam.” She also thanked Rohan Bopanna for playing by her side.

Dearest Sania, watching you play as a child in Nizam Club, to becoming the Champ that you are has been an inspiration and privilege. Congratulations on making girls stronger everywhere ❤️ Keep doing good, keep shining. Onwards and upwards 🙌🏼🤗 @MirzaSania https://t.co/GV99qrSx1K

— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) January 27, 2023

Dia Mirza, who also hails from Hyderabad just like Sania, wrote a heartfelt message for her on Twitter. She wrote, “Dearest Sania, watching you play as a child in Nizam Club, to becoming the Champ that you are has been an inspiration and privilege. Congratulations on making girls stronger everywhere. Keep doing good, keep shining. Onwards and upwards.”

Riteish Deshmukh hailed her Friday performance and called her ‘GOAT (Greatest Of All Times). He tweeted, “Many congratulations my dear friend @MirzaSania on your glorious career.. you have been an inspiration to a generation- a super achiever that has made every Indian across the globe proud. I wish you only the best for your future endeavours . Much love #SaniaMirza #GOAT.”