This Article is From Jan 20, 2010

Australians are not racist: Sania

Australians are not racist: Sania
Melbourne: India's Sania Mirza, who made a first round exit from the Australian Open on Tuesday, may sometimes show some indecision in shot selection but there is nothing unclear about her views - be it on the Aussies or marriage.

Amid the attacks happening on Indians Down Under, Sania said she never experienced anything unpleasant there.

"No, not at all. I've never had a bad experience. Personally I've not had anything. In fact, Australia is one of my favourite countries to come and play, and Melbourne is one of my favourite cities. So I think that is something that is very different to what we are doing, we are here to play tennis," she said.

Sania, who last year got engaged to her childhood friend Sohrab Mirza, explained why she said she would quit playing tennis after her impending marriage.

"Well, it's just my personal choice. I mean, I just think that after marriage your priorities change in a lot of different ways and if I had to keep playing tennis and travel 35 weeks a year, why get married? I'd like to live with my husband I think," she said.

Speaking about her future plans, Sania hinted at competing in the Commonwealth Games later in 2010.

"Yeah, of course it is at home. It's probably the biggest event we have had in our country. It's always a pleasure and an honour to represent your country, whatever you are playing, so..."
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