'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAf/2gAIAQEAAAAAmg//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/9oACAECEAAAAB//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAF/9oACAEDEAAAAE//xAAgEAACAgIABwAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwEEABIRFCExUXGi/9oACAEBAAE/AKqq51WENVBPQLFtJkTMEZ78JiInsML+soX3No12cjTndYl1Yzx7z//EABoRAAEFAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAxIhMvD/2gAIAQIBAT8AgHNdZX//xAAbEQACAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABBEh8f/aAAgBAwEBPwC4cwNiPXBX/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Ace Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on Twitter today responded to a question on whether she has any favourite singles player in tennis with just one simple word, 'Roger'.
When posed with the question using her #sananswers hashtag, the ex-No.1 star was quick to reply with the answer which saw a gush of responses to the reply in just a few minutes.
In case you didn't know
Sania Mirza expressed her immense respect for Roger Federer in her autobiography titled 'Ace against Odds' where she gives readers an entry into her three treasured interactions with the Swiss star while outlining her journey to stardom.
The 31-year old has shared the court with Roger Federer for some exhibition matches and also played with him for the Indian Aces in the International Tennis Premier League (ITPL).
The heart of the matter
While some fans seemed to think of it as an obvious answer, others were thrilled with her reply as the choice echoed their opinion on their favourite player as well.
In her autobiography, Sania dealt with three interactions with Roger Federer where she praised the 17-time Grand Slam Champion for his warm and caring attitude towards fellow sportspersons.
She fondly recollects the time he enquired about her well being during her tough times ahead of the 2008 Melbourne Open and also the time he contacted her during the 26/11 tragedy in Mumbai, highlighting his gentlemanliness and inspiring approach to the sport and life in general.
What's next?
The Australian Open, which is the first Grand Slam of the season kicks off in January next year and Mirza's preparations must be in full swing for it!
Author's take
For a long time now, Roger Federer has been an inspirational figure on and off the field and his attitude toward the sport has only influenced more youngsters to take from the Swiss' method.
Given that he has achieved a lot over his illustrious career but has made sure that he still cares for his fellow sports stars and plays in the right spirit of the game, it's no surprise that Sania Mirza's favourite singles player is none other than Roger Federer.
Who Are Roger Federer's Kids? Know All About Federer's Twins
