Sania Mirza becoming World No. 1 is a matter of pride for Pakistan as well: Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik expressed joy in Sania Mirza becoming World No.1

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has expressed pride about his wife, Sania Mirza, becoming World No. 1 in doubles. The 28-year-old Hyderabadi scaled the top of the doubles rankings on Sunday, after winning the Family Circle Cup in Charleston with her Swiss partner Martina Hingis.

"I am extremely proud and overwhelmed with joy,” Malik told AFP.

It’s a matter of pride for Pakistan as well: Malik

The 33-year-old further said that Mirza's achievement is a matter of pride for Pakistan as well, and added that her win was a victory for all tennis players and fans in both the Asian countries.

“It's a matter of pride for Pakistan as she is my wife and, of course, she is from India and she represents her nation with 100 percent determination to be the best,” the right-handed batsman said.

"It's also a victory for all tennis players and tennis fans in India and Pakistan on what is possible with hard work at a global level," he added.

Malik also said that he was a keen follower of tennis even before he met Mirza, and that after marrying her in 2010 he became even more glued to it. He also revealed that he always watches the matches that his tennis player wife is involved in.

“I loved tennis before I married Sania, but now my heart is really in it. I watch her matches, and also those of her rivals to keep up to date. Also since most of the time she is playing I'm not with her, I watch also because I miss her a lot,” he said.