
Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza became the first Indian pair to win a Grand Slam mixed doubles title on Sunday when they crushed Andy Ram of Israel and French woman Nathalie Dechy 6-3, 6-1. For Mahesh, Sunday’s victory as his 11th Grand Slam title while Sania celebrated her first success at this level.The unseeded Mahesh and Sania, who were granted a wildcard to the Open but they outplayed their opponents with some perfect doubles. Sania, who wasn’t bothered by a recent wrist problem during the tournament, also felt pretty good.The 34-year-old Mahesh won a previous mixed title at the Australian Open in 2006 with Martina Hingis. But now he has a 22-year-old Sania besides him. Knowing India’s love of sport, and particularly of sport that India does well in — cricket in particular — Mahesh was asked if a rich mixed doubles exhibition tournament could be organised soon in his country.