India’s Mirza set for tennis comeback in Hobart

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza yesterday announced her return to competitive tennis at the Hobart International in January, two years after taking a maternity break.The 33-year-old, who last played at the China Open in October 2017, will team up with Ukraine’s Nadiia Kichenok — ranked 38 in the WTA doubles chart.Mirza, who married former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, gave birth to her first child — a son the couple named Izhaan.“I am playing in Hobart, then I am playing the Australian Open,” Mirza was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.“I am planning to play a tournament in Mumbai, which is a $25,000 (ITF women’s event) next month, but I am 50-50 about it, so let’s see how my wrist behaves. We will see, but Hobart and Australian Open (for sure).”She added that she had experienced “a lot of change” after having a baby.“Your routine and sleep pattern changes. I (now) feel fit, my body is where it used to be before I had the baby,” Mirza said.The Hobart WTA takes place between January 11-18 and is a key lead-in tournament to the Australian Open.Mirza, regarded as India’s best-ever women’s tennis player, will partner American Rajeev Ram for the mixed doubles at the Australian Open.Mirza in 2005 became the first Indian to win a WTA tournament singles title. She reached the fourth round of the US Open in the same year, and by 2007 was among the women’s top 30.