Sania Mirza and Roger Federer will soon have something in common-- Tony Roche as part-time coach.
Roche, the high-profile Australian tennis coach, will train the Indian teen sensation in her build-up to the Australian Open. It was during the Open last year that Sania shot into limelight by progressing to the third round and setting up a clash with the eventual winner Serena Williams.
Roche will work on Sania's weaknesses, particularly her serve, before the start of the new season.
"Sania will start training in late December after a short winter break. She will train with Roche for three weeks in Sydney," Sania's father Imran Mirza said from Hyderabad.
Imran said it was only because of former Indian Davis Cupper Jaideep Mukherjea that Roche agreed to take up the assignment.
"Roche accepted to coach Sania only after Mukherjea put in a word. He normally does not take up assignments just like that and definitely not for someone like Sania who is up and coming talent," he said.
Roche signed up as the part-time coach of Federer at the beginning of this year only after great insistence from the Swiss multiple Grand Slam winner.
Imran said Sania would immensely benefit from her association with the Australian legend.
"Training with Roche, who has helped the likes of (Patrick) Rafter, (Ivan) Lendl and Federer, will be a big psychological boost for Sania," he said.
Imran also said efforts were on to rope in a trainer for Sania.
"We are looking for a trainer who will definitely be foreigner and probably an Australian," he said, adding Sania would play at least two tournaments in Sydney or Hobart before the first major of the year.
Imran said the injury which forced Sania to retire midway through her second round match in Thailand Open, was not serious.
"The injury is not serious and anyway she was to take rest after the Thailand Open."
More from rediff