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Sania, 20, learns to cope with failures: Video

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
 Sania Mirza is unrattled by the criticism that has followed her recent drop in rankings on WTA charts, and says she has learnt to take failures in her stride.

Wiser perhaps on turning 20 - which she did today - Sania said it was difficult to live up to a billion expectations. "The pressure of expecations is part of every sportsperson's life. I have become conditioned to it now. Any way, you cannot live up to the expectations of everyone," Sania said.

Sania finished the year ranked 66th after starting on an enviable 31.

Sania found it amazing how cricketers handle the pressure that comes from playing the country's favourite sport. "In terms of popularity, tennis has caught up only lately. Indians have been crazy about cricket since ages. I really admire the cricketers for their ability to handle pressure with ease," she said.

The pressure and the mind games involved in sports has drawn her into psychology, and she wants to pursue the subject seriously once she gives up tennis.

"If I had not been a tennis player, I would have been a psychologist. In fact, I am pursuing psychology right now. Once I give up tennis, I will think of a career in psychology," she said.

 

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First Published: Nov 15 2006 | 7:00 PM IST

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