Football
Reuters 16y

Tennis-Open-Bhupathi praises Mirza after controvery

By Simon Cambers

MELBOURNE, Jan 22 - Indian tennis sensation Sania
Mirza has handled her off-court woes with great maturity and is
on track for a spot in the world's top 20, multiple grand-slam
champion Mahesh Bhupathi said.

Bhupathi told Reuters he was full of praise for his
compatriot for the way she has dealt with accusations she
disrespected her national flag.

Mirza admitted last week that she had considered quitting
over a court case that could see her jailed for up to three
years, but battled on to reach the Australian Open third round,
where she pushed Wimbledon champion Venus Williams hard.

Bhupathi, who is Mirza's manager, is also partnering the
21-year-old in the mixed doubles in Melbourne and said she had
showed great maturity in the face of the accusations.

"It's very unfortunate what's going on," Bhupathi told
Reuters.

"It's one random human being, who I don't think anyone
really wants to deal with, but I guess that's the price to pay
for being popular, doing what you do, doing it for the country.

"So be it, we'll deal with it. She's done a great job (in
coping). I didn't expect her to pull through two matches,
especially her second one, when she was down and out and she
found a way to win.

"She is mentally very tough and she showed that this week
again."

Mirza is the subject of a court summons in Bhopal after a
private citizen made a complaint under the country's Prevention
of Insult to the National Honour Act.

BARE FEET

The controversy surrounds a photograph taken at the Hopman
Cup mixed team event in Perth, played at the beginning of the
year, that appeared to show Mirza's bare feet resting near the
national flag.

Mirza ended the year ranked 32nd and Bhupathi said he
believed she has the game and the character to get into the top
20.

"I think Indians as people, we mature a little later," he
said.

"Sania started fairly young but she is improving every
year, maturing as a tennis player as well. She had a good run
here, a good match against Venus (Williams), had her
opportunities.

"I think she'll aim to finish top 20-30 this year, I guess
that's the goal for her.

"I think she needs to strategically play points a little
better and to improve the consistency on her first serve.

"She's aware of the things she needs to work on and as long
as she is willing to put in the time, I don't see why it won't
happen.

"There is no way she is going to be number 30 in the world
just on talent. She is putting in the work and the good thing
is she knows there is a lot more work to put in."
(Editing by Ossian Shine)

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