The 21-year-old Sania, Asia's top women's player and ranked 29th in the world, pulled out of next month's Bangalore Open, saying it was increasingly becoming difficult for her to cope with such petty controversies dogging her career.

Former Davis Cup captain Akhtar Ali sympathised with the way Sania was being treated and described her decision as "unfortunate" for the sport in the country.

"It is a sad day for Indian sports. It is very unfortunate. She is not well. She did not have a good time at the Australian Open. And on top of that she is being made the subject of controversies every now and then. Some people are repeatedly hassling her. This is all sheer politics," Ali said.

Ali said Sania had helped the sport in the country in a big way but in return she was getting such troubles.

"Stars can influence youngsters more than even parents. She has also influenced hundreds of youngsters in the country to take up the game in a big way. We should all now ensure that she is not hassled in this way and allow her to carry on with her game and life," Ali said.