Indian tennis queen Sania Mirza has appreciated the idea of playing exhibition matches in Pakistan. "Its great idea if I get an opportunity to come to Pakistan and play tennis there," she told reporters on Tuesday night at Olympic Green Tennis Centre after watching her men's doubles team, comprising of Bhupathi-Peas beating French pair of Monfils-Simon 6-3, 6-3".
About featuring in tournament in Pakistan, she said: "You don't have tournament there, otherwise I would love to come to play in Pakistan." When informed about her growing popularity in Pakistan, Sania said playing exhibition matches in Pakistan depended on the schedule, but it's certainly a great idea.
"If offers come, she will certainly consider it," said the 21-year-old Indian star from Hyderabad Deccan, who slipped from 23rd to 60th position in world women ranking. Sania Mirza, who pulled out of women's singles first round match against Iveta Benesova of Czech Republic due to wrist injury, said she received a good reception whenever she went to Pakistan and thanked the people of Pakistan for supporting and liking her game. "I have been to Pakistan a few times and my first ever tournament outside India was in Pakistan.
Its great place and will come again whenever got an opportunity in the future I will come," Sania said, and added she had not seen much of Pakistan tennis and she knew about it. However, she said, she knew Aisam and he was very good player. "I am not sure what can I do. I don't know" were her comments when asked about extending support in any way in boosting women's tennis in Pakistan.
"Right now I am playing. Game is growing right. I am sure it will grow in Pakistan and especially with Aisamul Haq performing and playing so well. I am sure a lot more people will be coming up to play tennis in Pakistan," she added. Sania Mirza said she had not seen Pakistan's Aqeel Khan in action despite his featuring in several Indian circuits in India.