Six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza has taken a keen interest in the young talent Dandu Laxmi Siri at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy (SMTA), mentoring her and recognizing her potential. Laxmi Siri, a rising star in Indian tennis, is quickly making her mark in the under-18 category, already securing the No. 2 spot in the country. Her journey has been one of dedication and hard work, navigating the challenges that come with pursuing a professional tennis career.
Sania Mirza, known for her own remarkable achievements in the sport, has offered valuable advice to Laxmi Siri, urging her to keep pushing and strive for greatness. “You have the guts needed to be a pro. But, you need to put in a lot of effort to make it really big,” Sania told the ambitious young player.
Laxmi Siri, who joined the SMTA two years ago, has seen a significant improvement in her game, attitude, and results. She attributes her progress to the guidance of Imran Mirza, Sania’s father, who has invested time and effort in nurturing her talent. “The way Imran Sir and Sania mam show so much interest in me becoming a better tennis player is really a huge motivating factor,” Laxmi Siri shared.
Her commitment to the sport is evident in her consistent performances. Laxmi Siri has secured victories in several tournaments, including the under-18 doubles in the ITF J-30 championship in Lucknow, a doubles title in the ITF J-30 event in Bhubaneshwar, and even the AITA Women’s Rs 1 lakh prize money event in Hyderabad.
Recognizing the crucial transition from junior to senior level, Laxmi Siri is actively seeking guidance and improving her game. “Sania mam did give me a few tips and I am really working hard on them,” she said, highlighting her dedication to honing her skills.
Imran Mirza, her coach and mentor, is equally impressed with her progress, emphasizing her potential. “Her growth and performances in tournaments have been encouraging since she joined SMTA,” he stated, adding that Laxmi Siri has the potential to achieve great things in tennis.
He added, “I have high expectations from her, provided she stays focused and continues to imbibe and improve on the critical nuances of the game that can propel her onto the professional stage.”
Laxmi Siri, who started playing tennis in 2015, is focused on improving her game, particularly her backhand and groundstrokes. “Frankly, I feel that my backhand and the groundstrokes are my strength. Definitely looking for an overall improvement with emphasis on fitness,” she shared.
Despite her dedication, Laxmi Siri, whose father comes from a farming background, faces financial constraints. She is seeking sponsors to support her tennis journey, “My father comes from a farmer’s family, and we are managing on our own all the expenses, badly looking for sponsors for sure, even though I am going to play in the Zimbabwe circuit featuring on ITF J-60 and two ITF J-100 events,” she revealed.
With her sights set on the future, Laxmi Siri has ambitious goals, including becoming India’s No. 1 in the under-18 category and eventually competing in a Grand Slam. “My immediate goal is to be India No. 1 in the under-18 category (currently Maya Rajeshwaran of Tamil Nadu is No.1) and obviously dreaming big to play in a Grand Slam as early as possible,” she concluded, showcasing her unwavering determination.
