Asian Games: Gold for Sania Mirza and Saketh Myneni in mixed doubles

Sania Mirza

Indian mixed doubles pair of Sania Mirza and Saketh Myneni won India’s first gold medal in tennis at the 2014 Asian Games. India’s best women’s player Mirza and youngster Myneni played their game to perfection. Myneni kept his impressive serving display in the final as the Indians defeated Chinese Taipei opposition of Hsien Yin and Chan Hao Ching in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. 

Mirza had previously won the gold medal in mixed doubles at the 2006 Asian Games. The Indian pair won the first set 6-4. They started the second set strongly, racing to a 2-0 lead. The Chinese Taipei pair clawed their way back in the match to win three straight games and take a 3-2 lead. However the Indian fought back to hold serve and break the opponents to take a 4-3 lead with Mirza on serve.

Mirza confidently kept her serve to win the game and take India just one game away from the gold medal. India broke Hsien Yin’s serve to win the gold medal.

The Indian pair reached the final after convincingly defeating Chinese pair of Zie Zheng and Ze Zhang. Mirza and Mynena won the encounter in straight sets, taking the match by the score 6-1, 6-3.

Earlier in the day, Myneni won the silver medal in men’s double with his partner Sanam Singh.