Rio Olympics 2016: We must focus on bronze medal, says Sania Mirza

After suffering a heart-breaking loss in the mixed doubles semifinals, Sania Mirza says it is a challenge to recover mentally from such a defeat but vowed to come back strong for the bronze medal match at Rio Olympics 2016.

The Indians had a one-set lead but Venus Williams stepped up brilliantly with her partner Rajeev Ram to win the second set and clinch the issue 2-6 6-2 10-3 in the super tiebreaker.

A four-time Olympic gold medalist Venus will now aim for a fifth and first in mixed doubles.

“We have to try and recover as quick as possible, mentally and physically. Probably more mentally. We have to go back, try and get some sleep, put some food in our body and recover for tomorrow,” Sania said after the semifinal defeat.

“It’s difficult to see positives 10 minutes after you lose but that’s what we have to do as we don’t get too many chances. We are fortunate enough to have a shot at the medal.  There were a few points here and there where the momentum shifted but we played well,” Sania said.

The world number one doubles player Sania said the challenge would be to overcome mental fatigue as she seeks her first Olympic medal from three appearances.

The US pair broke Sania’s service twice in the fourth and eighth game of the second set.

“Tennis is a game of inches and cms, anything can happen but we are coming back. She did step up well, that’s why she’s a champion. She’s able to do that under pressure. She started returning a lot better as opposed to the first set.

“We got the momentum back in our favour but then they went ahead in the super tie-break. It’s such a toss-up. We played great, if we look back but we have to get over it. We have a bit more time then our opponents who’re still playing on the court.”

Giving credit to Venus, Bopanna said, “Once they got that break (in the fourth game of second set), Venus started serving much better. The good thing is we still have a chance to come back and get a shot at the bronze medal. We have to recover well and come back by being positive. Our opponents will also be coming from a loss.”