NEW DELHI, Feb 5: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza’s decision not to play in home tournaments this year because of off-court rows has left fans and officials shell-shocked.

Sania opted out of India’s richest tennis event, the $600,000 WTA Bangalore Open from March 3-9, telling reporters she was finding it tough to deal with the controversies.

The 21-year-old Muslim has been criticised in the past by Islamist groups for wearing short skirts on court, and recently was taken to court after media photographs showed her bare feet resting near the Indian flag.

Sania, Asia’s highest-ranked player at No 29, revealed before last month’s Australian Open she had considered quitting the game because of the controversies.

Former Davis Cup player Vishal Uppal said he was surprised at Sania’s reason to avoid the Bangalore Open.

“She said she did it to avoid controversies, but I think she has created another controversy by opting out,” said Uppal.

A tennis official, who declined to be named, said he suspected business rivalry may have played a role.

Sania is managed by doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi’s company Globosport, which runs the rival WTA Sunfest Open in Kolkata in September.

“It could be injury, a business decision or anything,” the official said.

“But it’s a big loss for the Indian tennis fan.”

Vijay Amritraj, India’s best-known tennis player, said he was shocked at Sania’s decision.

“I am dumbfounded,” he said. “She is such a fine player. She is the best not just at home but in the whole of Asia. In my time, to play in India was such a big thing.”

Former Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali said it was a “sad day for Indian tennis”.

“That something like this should happen to a dedicated professional like Sania is extremely unfortunate,” he said. “She has become the victim of politics. She has done so much for this country, single-handedly catapulting ladies’ tennis on to the world stage. She has finally given in to the pressure.”—AFP