Sania Mirza Opens Up About Post-Retirement Struggle: 'I Felt Like a Part of Me Had Died'

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The abrupt end of a decades-long career can be a challenging adjustment for athletes. For former tennis star Sania Mirza, the transition to retirement was particularly tough. In a recent interview, Sania shared her emotional experience, describing the morning after her final match in 2023 as one of the most difficult periods of her life. Sania, 39, who bid farewell to her two-decade-long tennis career at the Dubai Open, revealed that she woke up feeling 'empty' and unsure of what to do with her time. The sudden absence of her daily routine, which had been her identity for nearly three decades, left her feeling lost. 'It felt like a part of me had died,' she said, reflecting on the emotional impact of her retirement. Sania's parents, who were present with her during that time, were surprised by her reaction. However, they reminded her that retirement was her own choice, and she needed to come to terms with it. Sania took time to process her emotions, crying for hours in her room as she struggled to adjust to her new reality. The adjustment was not limited to Sania alone. Her family's life had revolved around her training and travel schedule for years. With her retirement, they had to rebuild their routine and find a new balance. Sania's husband and her parents had to adjust to a new lifestyle, which was a significant change for everyone involved. To cope with the emotional shift, Sania eventually transitioned into mentoring with the RCB camp and television work. She now feels busier than she expected post-retirement. Experts say that reactions like Sania's are common and not limited to athletes. Psychotherapist Delnna Rrajesh notes that when a role becomes an identity, its ending can feel like losing the ground beneath it. However, she emphasizes that retirement is not a collapse but a realignment, which requires discipline, resilience, and a willingness to rebuild and discover a new identity. Sania's story serves as a reminder that retirement can be a challenging but ultimately transformative experience. By sharing her emotional journey, Sania hopes to inspire others to navigate the transition with courage and resilience.