Mumbai, July 25: Congratulating Sania Mirza for becoming the first Indian woman to win a grand slam title, Indian Davis Cupper Leander Paes today advised her to work hard to make it big in the singles events on international scene. Paes, who won the mixed doubles title with legendary Martina Navratilova at the Wimbledon, told a news agency here that Sania's win (in girls doubles at Wimbledon) has been a much needed boost to women's tennis in the country and it is always a good feeling to see a youngster do well in a grand slam event.

"There is no doubt that Sania is very talented but to make it big in the singles event at the international events, one has to work really hard," he added. Paes, who is here on a break from his heavy schedule, said, "I was looking forward to this small break at Mumbai after a tough tour schedule before I start preparing for the us open in about ten days".

"All I have been doing here, which is my third base after Kolkata and Orlando in the US, is going out with my friends and their family and basically having good time so as to unwind the hard grind of playing in a grand slam event," he said.

Bureau Report