Perhaps India’s best bet to win a medal at the Rio Olympics is in the mixed doubles category of Tennis. Sania Mirza, who is ranked World No. 1 in women’s doubles, will be partnering Rohan Bopanna in the event. Sania Mirza, throughout her illustrious career has established herself as the most successful female Indian tennis player ever. On the other hand, Bopanna is one of the most consistent performers in the men’s doubles circuit.

Qualification

Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) can enter 6 male and 6 female athletes, with a maximum of 4 entries in the individual events, and 2 pairs in the doubles events. Any player in the world’s top 56 is eligible on the basis of the rankings released by the ATP and the WTA.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) selected Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna for mixed doubles category.

Earning the spotlight

Sania Mirza

Sania had an illustrious career in the singles category overcoming numerous former top ranked players. She reached her best as world no. 27 in singles way back in 2007. However, a few years down the line she retired from the category and pledged herself in the doubles circuit. She has achieved a number of firsts for women’s tennis in India, including winning a singles Pro-level title, and winning six major titles.

Sania won WTA Finals in 2014 alongside Cara Black and defended her title the following year partnering with Martina Hingis. In addition, she is the third Indian woman to feature in the Open Era. She has also won a total of 14 medals (including 6 Gold) at three major sporting events, namely the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Afro-Asian Games.

Much of her success in the Grand Slam is a result of her formidable partnership with Martina Hingis. The duo entered favourites at every tournament over the last year and recording the maximum number of wins too.

Rohan Bopanna

Bopanna’s doubles career high ranking was World No. 3 in 2013. Bopanna’s first ATP doubles title came in the 2008 Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles with Eric Butorac.

In 2010, he finished as a runner-up in doubles at the US Open, partnering with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan. Bopanna partnered with Qureshi in doubles in 2007. The duo went on to win four Challenger titles in quick succession. In 2010, they reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, finished runners-up in the US Open and five ATP Tour events, and won the Johannesburg Open. The 36-year-old also played a decisive role in India’s 2010 Davis Cup triumph over Brazil.

Medal Quest

Sania Mirza expressed her excitement and is hopeful of improving on her past showings at the Olympics. Although they are both confident about their partnership, the lack of playing time together in recent years could prove a disadvantage for India come the Olympics.

However, Bopanna and Mirza played together at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in December last year. The pair won seven out of ten sets  in the tournament to help the Indian Aces reach the final.  The pair displayed their strengths playing together. And, if they are able to recreate their form they are certainly in line to cause some major troubles to their competitors.