Article Today, Hyderabad:
Indian Tennis star Sania Mirza has said that her greatest learning in life has come not from winning Grand Slam titles but from experiencing motherhood. Speaking about her journey as a parent, she said that raising her son, Izhaan, has taught her the true meaning of balance between personal life and professional responsibility. She noted that success in sport alone does not define fulfilment and that emotional stability is equally important.
Learning the Art of Balance
Sania said that managing time between her child, personal well-being and professional commitments has become her new challenge. However, she believes this balance has made her mentally stronger. According to her, international tournaments demand discipline and focus, while motherhood demands patience and sensitivity. Therefore, she said, both have helped shape her into a more composed individual.
From Battle to Calm
Recalling her years on the professional circuit, Sania said every tennis match once felt like a battle that demanded complete physical and emotional intensity. However, after becoming a mother in 2018, she experienced a significant shift in her outlook. She said that motherhood introduced a sense of calm and emotional grounding that competitive sport could never offer. Meanwhile, she added that her ability to handle pressure has improved rather than diminished.
Managing Home and Travel
Despite frequent international travel, Sania said she ensures that her responsibilities as a mother remain central. Whether she is attending sporting assignments abroad or staying in Hyderabad with her son, she said she consciously prioritises emotional presence. In addition, she noted that this phase of life has taught her to manage stress more effectively than at any other time in her career.
A Different Kind of Pressure
Sania acknowledged that the pressure of professional sport is intense. However, she said the emotional responsibility of motherhood feels deeper and more personal. She explained that while losing a match allows scope for recovery in the next tournament, even a small mistake as a mother stays on the mind for much longer. Therefore, she believes motherhood demands a different form of courage.
A Source of Strength and Inspiration
Sania said that her son challenges her every day to become a better person. She added that motherhood has not weakened her professional identity but strengthened her emotional resilience. According to her, this inner strength now defines her more than any sporting achievement. She described this phase of her life as both humbling and empowering.
