Sania Mirza Reflects on Her Difficult Journey
Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza has spoken candidly about one of the most difficult phases of her life, revealing how she struggled emotionally following her divorce from former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik.
Speaking on her talk show Serving It Up with Sania, the former world doubles champion opened up about the emotional and physical toll of balancing single motherhood, career commitments, and personal well-being.
Mirza, who retired from professional tennis in 2023 after a two-decade career, said she often finds it hard to maintain balance. Being a mother, managing work, and ensuring my child’s education all at once can be exhausting, she shared.
A Moment of Panic and Support from Farah Khan
During the same episode, renowned Bollywood director and Sania’s close friend Farah Khan revealed that she had witnessed Mirza experiencing a panic attack — something she had never seen before.
Farah recalled that incident as a deeply emotional moment. I had never seen Sania in such a state. She is one of the strongest women I know, but that day, she was struggling, Farah said. She added that if she hadn’t visited Sania on the set that day, the athlete might not have been able to continue the show.
Sania, acknowledging Farah’s support, said that having her friend by her side during that moment helped her stay grounded. When you go through something so personal, even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Having people who truly care can make all the difference, she noted.
Coping with Life After Divorce
Sania Mirza’s divorce from Shoaib Malik was finalized in 2024, ending a high-profile marriage that had drawn intense media attention since the couple tied the knot in 2010. The two share a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, who lives with Sania in India.
In recent interviews, Mirza has avoided discussing Malik directly, focusing instead on her journey as a mother and a professional woman navigating societal pressures. Life doesn’t stop when relationships end, she has said in previous media appearances. You must keep moving, not for yourself only, but for your child and the people who believe in you.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
The tennis star explained that her daily routine often feels like a marathon, managing her son’s schooling, hosting a talk show, and pursuing brand commitments. She admitted that while she enjoys her work, the emotional strain of single parenting can sometimes take a toll on her mental health.
Mental health experts often highlight that post-divorce anxiety and panic attacks are common among women navigating sudden lifestyle changes, especially those in the public eye. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in five women experience symptoms of anxiety or depression after major life transitions such as divorce or loss.
Mirza’s openness about her struggle reflects a growing trend among celebrities who are breaking the stigma around mental health in South Asia — a region where open discussion about emotional well-being remains limited.
Farah Khan’s Perspective: Friendship Beyond Fame
Farah Khan, known for directing blockbuster films like Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, emphasized that friendship goes beyond fame or success. People often see Sania as a national icon, but I see her as a fighter and a mother. What she went through would have broken many people, but she chose to keep going, Farah said.
Their long-standing friendship has often been highlighted in Indian media. The two have frequently appeared together at social gatherings and talk shows, symbolizing mutual support between women from different professional backgrounds.
Sania’s Message of Resilience
Despite the hardships, Sania Mirza continues to inspire millions across South Asia and beyond. Her story — from being India’s most successful female tennis player to navigating public scrutiny after her divorce — reflects strength and perseverance.
She continues to advocate for women’s empowerment, often using her platform to discuss mental health, parenting, and independence. We all have our struggles, she said recently. The important thing is to acknowledge them and find ways to heal.
A Role Model On and Off the Court
Sania Mirza’s tennis career includes six Grand Slam titles, including three in women’s doubles and three in mixed doubles. She was ranked as the world’s No. 1 doubles player in 2015, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve that feat.
Her transition from athlete to media personality has been well received, and Serving It Up with Sania offers a platform for candid conversations about life, resilience, and success — both on and off the court.
Conclusion
Through her openness about mental health and the realities of single motherhood, Sania Mirza is helping to normalize conversations that many shy away from. Supported by friends like Farah Khan, she continues to show that vulnerability does not equal weakness — it is, instead, a reflection of true courage.
