Sania's legacy: She's a legend beyond the sport she played

Her achievements must be set against the multiple controversies generated by others and all the unsolicited advice that afflicts any Indian woman who chooses a career outside the rubric of domesticity

A few days before Sania Mirza took her last bow on an international tennis court in Dubai, she spoke eloquently to The Indian Express about her 20-year career in which she won six Grand Slam titles and 43 major titles. “I want to tell young women, don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do what you want.” Ms Mirza, the only Indian woman to top the doubles ranking and reach a career high of 27 in world tennis, is well placed to offer this advice.

Her achievements must be set against the multiple controversies generated by others and all the unsolicited advice