Shoaib Malik's message to Sania Mirza's on final Grand Slam appearance

As Indian tennis star Sania Mirza played the last Grand Slam of her career at the Australian Open, Shoaib Malik, her husband and Pakistani cricketer, posted a heartfelt message for her.

The 36-year-old athlete — who played her first Grand Slam 18 years ago at the Australian Open — earlier today participated in the last Grand Slam event of her career at the same event.

As fans and celebrities of the tennis star shared their love and respect for Mirza, her husband took to Instagram, calling her hope for all women in sports. He said that he was proud of everything that Mirza had achieved in her long-spanning career.

Taking to the photosharing platform, the Pakistan cricketer stated: "You are the much-needed hope for all the women in sports. Super proud of you for all you have achieved in your career. You're an inspiration for many, keep going strong. Many congratulations on an unbelievable career..."

Earlier today, Mirza deliver a tear-jerking farewell speech at the Australian Open. The tennis star could hardly keep a check on her emotions and said: "I just want to start with that if I cry, these are happy tears and not sad tears so that’s just a disclaimer."

Sania also mentioned that while she would play a few more tournaments, she had resigned from professional tennis and concluded her speech by thanking everyone for their support. “Thank you so much for all the support all week guys and all my life, really. It’s been truly, truly special and I wouldn't have achieved anything without each and every single one of you.

“Thank you very much for everything and thank you, Australia for making me feel at home.”

From 2009 to 2016, Mirza won six Grand Slam doubles titles – three each in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles. In 2015, she even became the world's No. 1 in the women’s doubles ranking.

The Australian Open Twitter account also shared a post lauding Sania for her dedication and success, saying: “A trailblazer for women in sport. Thank you, Sania”

From 2009 to 2016, Mirza won six Grand Slam doubles titles – three each in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles. In 2015, she even became the world's No. 1 in the women’s doubles ranking.