New Delhi: Sania Mirza doesn't want to ruffle any more feathers.
After the controversy over her dress code, the 19-year-old tennis star has refused to pair up with Israeli tennis player Shahar Pe'er in the doubles tournament of the Dubai Open for fear of violent protests by India's Islamic community.
Mirza initially agreed to play with Pe'er, but later retracted, telling Pe'er that, "It's best that we don't play together this time to prevent protests against my cooperation with an Israeli. There is no reason to arouse the ire of the Indian Muslims."
Sania had been embroiled in a controversy where she was chastised by Muslim groups in India for wearing a sleeveless top and a mini-skirt during her matches.
The two players did not pair up at the Australian Open in January for the same reason.
Pe'er's coach, Oded Yaakov, said "It is understandable that Mirza would not want to ignite the protestors against her once again. The situation in India is sensitive as it is. However, I would like to believe that she will be willing to cooperate with Shahar in the future."
Sania Mirza is ranked 39 in world Tennis. She lost in the first round of the Dubai Open to Martina Hingis, on Tuesday.
She played with a strapped right elbow as she went down to the five-time Grand Slam champion Hingis 3-6 5-7 yesterday.
The injury, which she sustained while playing the Bangalore Open, may lead her to pull out of the Doha Open that begins on February 27.
(With inputs from agencies)
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