MELBOURNE – Former world number 27 Sania Mirza boldly declared she was back to her best after giving seven-time major-winner Justine Henin a scare in the Australian Open’s first round on Monday. Mirza, currently ranked 145th after battling injury in recent seasons, stunned Henin in a whirlwind first set before the pint-sized Belgian came back to win 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.
The 24-year-old Indian only completed qualifiers on Sunday and admitted she tired during the final set, but confidently predicted a return to the top 30 on the back of the encouraging performance. Her trademark forehand produced a number of winners and Mirza said she was keen to play her first full season since 2005, having put a long-term wrist injury behind her and regained belief in her own game.
Mira said she would spend the next few months working on her ranking to ensure she never had to play qualifiers again, and said the performance against Henin was a huge confidence boost. “I think this message sends out a very big message as to where I stand now as a tennis player again,” she said. “I have not played someone like that for a couple of years now and I showed I could compete against her. “For me, to know I can match a player like that is something I am really happy about. It gives me a lot of confidence that I am back and I am ready to compete with the big girls. “I am playing close to the level I was playing when I was top 30 in the world.
