Overview

• Mirza says society often treats motherhood as the end of a woman’s life or career, a view she calls damaging.
• She notes a visible shift in tennis with numerous mothers now ranked in the top 100, calling the stereotype overdue for change.
• The six-time Grand Slam winner recalls choosing not to retire after her son Izhaan’s birth, returning despite a 23-kilo postpartum weight gain.
• She describes sport as a teacher of resilience and self-forgiveness, stressing the need to reset quickly after mistakes.
• Mirza credits a strong support system with helping athletes absorb losses and find the courage to try again.