Mahesh Bhupathi, whose company Globosport manages Sania’s career, said the decision to pull out of the Bangalore Open, was a “one-off” instance so that her career was not affected by these controversies.

“It is not a permanent decision. It is only for this year that she will not play in India,” said Bhupathi, who also plays mixed doubles with Sania.

“She has really been pained by all that has happened in the last few months. It is really unfortunate. We want that she should have the right frame of mind when playing in tournaments,” he said. Coach Enrico Piperno, with whom Sania travelled to Bangkok as part of the Federation Cup team, hoped that Sania reconsidered her decision. “It is her personal decision. We have to respect it. The pressure of controversies became too much for her.”