Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Sania and Hingis find common bond in partner

Sania and Hingis find common bond in partner

Kolkata, Feb 26: Former Indian Davis Cup player Zeeshan Ali has been a huge draw as sparring partner among the top players at the ongoing Dubai Duty Free Women's Open, including Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis.

Zeeshan, a six time national tennis champion and son of celebrated coach Akhtar Ali, has been dividing his time for practice with the leading women stars at the Tier II WTA event.

"Practising with these players on the tour has given me the opportunity to interact with some of the best in the game," Zeeshan said from Dubai.

"Not only do I get a chance to interact with these players on a one-on-one basis, it also gives me the opportunity to know the practice and training method and the latest trends among those top players," he said.

Zeeshan has also helped Jennifer Capriati, Anna Kournikova, Venus Williams and Mary Pierce as practice partner.

Zeeshan, a member of the Indian Davis Cup squad from 1987 to 1994, moved to Dubai in 1995 on the personal invitation of the ruling al Maktoum family.

He said Hingis particularly had shown a personal preference for him as her practice partner on both occasions that she visited Dubai in 2001 and this year.

"Definitely, this is an added experience for me," he remarked.

Bureau Report . Zee News

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