Mirza to Boycott Indian Tournaments

Sometimes I wonder why controversy has to happen. It’s tennis, people. Just go out and play and work out your frustrations on the court.

But then I think…bring on the controversy. It gives me something to write about.

This week’s Negative Newsie is Sania Mirza from India. Mirza released a statement that boiled down to her boycotting all Indian tennis tournaments. Of course she said it a much more, ah, diplomatic manner - but in the end, you get the same message. Mirza’s decision to cease play in her home country includes next month’s $600,000 WTA Bangalore Open where the Williams sisters are expected to make an appearance.

Mirza has been embroiled in controversy for the past few months. The Indian tennis star, ranked 29th in the world, was accused of allegedly disrespecting the Indian flag during the Hopman Cup. (If proven, Mirza could be punished by a jail sentence.)

Mirza was also asked forced to apologize to mosque officials in her hometown of Hyderabad for shooting an advertisement on its premises. A trespass complaint was filed against Mirza.

To cap it all off, Mirza has been facing some angry eyes from religious Muslim groups for playing in normal tennis outfits. What do they want her to do? Wear a robe? I’d like to see Mirza – or anyone – track down a Justine Henin backhand or a Maria Sharapova forehand dressed in traditional Indian attire. Puh-lease.

But from what I can tell, those in her country like having a tennis star and are more than a little put out by her decision to forego future tourneys held within the borders – evidenced by this snippy comment from the Bangalore Open’s chief tournament organizer Sundar Raju:

“Our role is to provide a platform for Indian players and this is perhaps the highest platform we have. (Start of Raju acting like a jerk) I’d like to think most people would be happy to be playing among their countrymen who made them a star.” (End of Raju acting like a jerk)

They have a funny way of treating their stars then.

I don’t condone letting athletes or celebrities get away with stuff because of their status. But harping on someone because they won’t compete in your country because you’ve been treating them like crap? Reeeeee-diculous. It’s hypocritical with a whacky double-standard.

If you want a tennis star then you can’t really disapprove of her teeny tennis togs. I’m not sayin’, but I’m just sayin’.