Sania Mirza Serves Up Pickleball Fever in Dubai—Inside Her Bold New Sports Mission and Life After Tennis

Sania Mirza Serves Up Pickleball Fever in Dubai: Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza is entering a new chapter in her life by embracing the fast-growing sport of pickleball. After retiring from professional tennis in 2023, she is now set to launch the Pickleball Open 2025 in Dubai, a city she has called home since 2010. The event, backed by the Dubai Sports Council, will run from May 8 to 11 and marks a major step in Mirza’s efforts to grow the sport in the UAE.

A New Venture for Sania Mirza

Mirza is not new to Dubai, having moved there over a decade ago. Since her arrival, she has settled into the city, raised her son, and carved out a career that now extends into the world of entrepreneurship.

“Dubai has always pioneered change — the tallest tower, the best roads, the fastest cars. So why not a sport that hasn’t been played here before?” – (Mirza)

Alongside Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and director Shashank Khaitan, Mirza is spearheading the launch of the Pickleball Open 2025. The event aims to popularize pickleball in the UAE, a country known for its innovative approach to new ventures.

“Karan brings the glamour. I bring it too… but mine’s more of a byproduct. We’ve had many great laughs and dinners over the years. He’s pioneered cinema and storytelling — often ahead of his time. So it made perfect sense for him to be part of a sport that’s also a little ahead of its time here.” – (Mirza)

Mirza believes in the social and inclusive nature of the sport, highlighting that while professional pickleball can be intense, it is also perfect for families to play together. “Tennis players might say that, but play pickleball professionally and it’s intense,” she shares, emphasizing the sport’s potential to connect communities through active fun.

“Casually, it’s great for families. You can play for an hour, grab a coffee, bring your kids. It’s social, inclusive, and brings people together. That’s the future I want to help shape.” – (Mirza)

Financial Success and Staying Grounded

With an estimated net worth of Rs 2.16 billion (around $26 million) in 2025, Mirza has achieved great financial success through brand endorsements, real estate investments, and her tennis academies.

“I didn’t grow up chasing wealth. My dream was to be the best tennis player I could be. Money and fame came later — as byproducts. They were never the goal.” – (Mirza)

However, despite her wealth, she remains financially cautious. “I’m still a middle-class girl at heart,” Mirza admits, explaining that she checks her bills carefully. “If my DEWA bill is even 2,000 dirhams higher, I’ll go to the house manager and ask why,” she laughs.

“I’m not the type to splurge without thought. I respect money. It’s how I was raised — even now, if my bills are too high, I ask questions. I want to be responsible. Especially now, raising my son on my own.” – (Mirza)

Her financial discipline is partly driven by her responsibility as a single mother. Since her divorce from Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in 2024, Mirza has been raising her son, Izhaan, on her own while balancing her professional ventures.

Promoting a Healthy, Social Lifestyle

Sania Mirza’s interest in pickleball is not just business—it’s about shaping a positive future for the younger generation. She hopes that in the future, kids will meet for pickleball matches rather than late-night parties. “I hope our kids grow up meeting at pickleball matches instead,” she says, stressing the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle.

“That’s the kind of lifestyle we should be prioritising — something fun, social, and actually good for you.” – (Mirza)

Mirza sees this new stage in her life as an evolution, not a reinvention. “I don’t see this as reinvention. It’s evolution. Life changes, sport changes — and we grow with it.” she reflects. By embracing pickleball and promoting it as a sport for everyone, she is continuing to build her legacy, in sports and in her community.