Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza, renowned for her fierce game on the court and her trailblazing career, recently gave fans and followers a rare glimpse into the personal challenges she faced following her separation from former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. In a candid conversation with filmmaker and close friend Farah Khan on her YouTube show Serving It Up with Sania, the tennis star spoke about the emotional toll of navigating life as a single mother, balancing work, and coping with anxiety during one of the most difficult chapters of her life.

Farah Khan, who has long been a confidante of Sania, recounted the moments she witnessed firsthand the struggles that the tennis champion endured. “You are now a single mother. Nothing is more difficult than being a single mother. It is very, very hard,” Farah reflected during the conversation. She praised Sania’s resilience, acknowledging that while every individual faces challenges in life, juggling parenting responsibilities, a high-profile career, and personal growth simultaneously is an extraordinary feat.

Sania, for her part, opened up about how overwhelming the experience had been, admitting that there were moments when the pressure of her circumstances led to panic attacks. “I don’t want to mention it on camera, but there was a moment that was one of the lowest moments when you showed up on my set and I had to go on a live show after that,” Sania revealed. Farah recalled that day vividly: “I got so scared. I had never seen you get a panic attack. I had to shoot that day, but I just left it and came there in my pyjamas and chappal (slippers).” Her presence was a critical support for Sania, helping her push through a moment of intense anxiety and fulfill her professional commitments.

The conversation also touched upon the broader context of Sania’s life and upbringing. Farah reflected on her own childhood, describing how she witnessed the struggles that came with financial instability in the family and the challenges of pursuing a career in a competitive industry. “I was 5–6 years old and I was a very spoiled, pampered child till then. But I saw the repercussions over the years. And I don’t blame the industry for it because it happens in every industry. If you are a failure, people won’t come to you,” Farah said, drawing parallels between her experiences and the lessons she learned about resilience and perseverance.

For Sania, the post-divorce phase has been both a personal and public journey. After 14 years of marriage, she and Shoaib Malik officially ended their relationship in January 2024. While rumors about their separation had circulated for months, confirmation came through a statement issued by Mirza’s sister, Anam. The statement requested privacy and respect for Sania during this transitional period and revealed that the couple had been living separately for several months before their divorce was finalized. Following the separation, Shoaib Malik remarried Pakistani actor Sana Javed last year, while Sania has focused on her own life, career, and raising their daughter as a single mother.

Throughout the conversation with Farah, Sania emphasized how crucial emotional support was during this time. She highlighted how small gestures from friends, mentors, and colleagues helped her navigate some of the most challenging moments. Farah’s unplanned visit to Sania’s set during a particularly low period exemplified this support. “If you would not have come there, I wouldn’t have done that show,” Sania admitted, underscoring how meaningful the intervention was in helping her regain composure and confidence.

Sania’s revelations also shed light on the mental health challenges that many individuals face during personal upheavals, especially those in the public eye. By candidly sharing her experiences, she has offered fans and followers a deeper understanding of the struggles behind the headlines, humanizing the story beyond the surface-level coverage of her divorce. Farah, too, expressed admiration for Sania’s resilience and ability to maintain strength under pressure, noting that witnessing her friend cope with panic attacks was both alarming and eye-opening.

Despite the difficulties, Sania’s narrative is ultimately one of empowerment, determination, and growth. She continues to excel professionally while prioritizing her role as a mother, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of emotional and logistical challenges. The conversation between Sania and Farah Khan not only provides a window into the tennis star’s personal life but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of support, compassion, and perseverance during life’s most testing times.

In an era when public figures often guard their personal lives fiercely, Sania Mirza’s openness about her struggles — from panic attacks to the pressures of single parenthood — marks a courageous step toward normalizing conversations about mental health and emotional well-being. Her story resonates with many, offering hope and encouragement to those navigating similar challenges.

As Sania continues to move forward, balancing her illustrious career, motherhood, and personal growth, her journey remains a testament to strength, resilience, and the invaluable role of supportive friendships. The candid revelations on Serving It Up with Sania remind fans that even icons face moments of vulnerability — and that overcoming these challenges often requires both inner strength and the unwavering support of those who care.