Despite being a celebrity in India and a star player, the media rarely got any juicy gossip about her love life.

A traditional girl, Mirza, has also rarely given any hint. Though she had declared that her ideal match has to be tall, well over 6 feet in height, good looking and must not be having any ego-related hassles.

When she stepped into the international tennis circuit, Sania had her first crush on Marat Safin, the ace Russian tennis player. Traditionalist Muslims would have loved to see her date Safin, a Tatar Muslim.

She even befriended his sister, Dinara Safina. However, not much was heard about this relationship afterwords. The last couple of years Sania remained busy on the circuit and despite her whirlwind tours across the world, nobody was able to pick up anything about her love life.

She shares a great rapport with Mahesh Bhupathi, her coach and friend, with whom she has been quite close. She has admired many sports persons including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Last year she admitted that she liked Shoaib Akhtar. It was his aggression that had bowled her over. But it was just an admiration, which a player has for another competent sportsperson.

However, when it comes to love life, the first guy who she has reportedly dated is Shahid Kapur, the ex-boyfriend of Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor.

[SuperSania.com is a fansite focusing on Indian Tennis star Sania Mirza. An unofficial Sania Mirza website]

20/04/2008