'Was one of the lowest moments, I was shivering': Sania Mirza on getting panic attacks post divorce with Shoaib Malik

Sania Mirza on getting panic attacks post divorce with Shoaib Malik

India tennis icon Sania Mirza have had her share of unfortunate experiences both on court and personal life. Sania, who has now retired from the sport, recently opened up about her failed marriage with former Pakistan cricket skipper Shoaib Malik.

The duo, who were married for almost 14 years, announced their divorce in January 2024. They have a son together. While Sania remains a single mother, the cricketer is now married to Pakistan actress Sana Javed.

Recently speaking with popular choreographer and director Farah Khan on her YouTube show Serving It Up with Sania, the duo spoke about their individual struggles. During the exchange it was revealed that Sania faced severe panic attacks post her divorce with Malik.

EXCLUSIVE | 'I believe in manifestation': Nikhat Zareen's vision for success at World Boxing Cup and beyond

It started with Farah speaking about the financial struggles her family faced after her father Kamran Khan’s movie failed at the box office. “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. When people say Bollywood is very tough, no, life is only tough,” said Farah.

As the conversation continued, Sania also spoke about the emotional turmoil she experienced while navigating through the difficult phase of her life. “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. If you had not come there… I was shivering. And if you would not have come there I wouldn’t have done that show, you told me, ‘No matter what, you are doing this show,’” the tennis icon said.

Farah remembered the instance Sania was discussing and added: “I got so scared. I never have 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).”