Hope

When a friend, a self-confessed sports fanatic, informed me of Sania Mirza's presence in the draw for the WTA Tour Event at Cincinnati, I immediately decided to attend. The hype surrounding 'Sania Mania' in the Indian media definitely justified the $12 dollars for the first round match.

And I was not disappointed.

From the get-go Sania displayed a 'tude worthy of a winner. She attacked with hard-hitting shots and some very clever ball placement. OK, the first-serve needs help but that will come with experience and coaching.

Granted that this was no Grand Slam tournament attracting the top players, but defeating someone 34 positions higher in the WTA rankings (Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany) deserves commendation.

Thanks to her benefactor, GVK Group of Industries, Sania finally has a coach - albeit a traveling one.

Watching her play, I felt a sense of hope for women's tennis in India. I am sure she is serving as an inspiration and role model for girls who wouldn't have otherwise picked up a racket.