Sania's new partner gets clicking

India's tennis ace Sania Mirza had a new companion during her practice session at the Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday. It was her fiancee Mohammad Sohrab Mirza, who kept clicking the tennis star as she went through her daily training routine.

"We have tried to spend as much time together as possible. He is also getting interested in tennis. He enjoys watching me practice and enjoys watching me play," Sania said.

Sania, who got engaged to Sohrab on Friday, seemed to enjoy the company of her partner.

"Apparently, when there is someone other than your parents to lend you all the support, it is feels great," Sania said about Sohrab.

After her rigorous training session on Monday, Sania said she is feeling comfortable on the court and expects a good showing in the United States.

"Definitely, I am feeling very comfortable hitting the ball as well as I can. If everything goes as per the plan, it should be a very interesting hardcourt season," Sania said.

Sania displays her engagement ring on her henna-filled hands.

The world number 85 is leaving for the US hardcourt season on July 16 to gear up for the 2009 US Open in August.

The Hyderabadi lass gained one position in the latest singles ranking and is placed at 85, but lost a place in the doubles rankings, dropping to 42.

"I have 5-6 weeks before the US Open starts, so it is not that I am thinking about the US Open itself. I have always done well in hardcourts. I hope I can stay healthy throughout the seven weeks and, maybe, try and peak during the US Open," she said.