The GVK Group of Companies Thursday announced it would sponsor a travelling coach for Indian tennis star Sania Mirza who is leaving for the US for six WTA tournaments and the US Open.

Her parents had recently announced that John Farrington of the US was being hired as the travelling coach till US Open.

Sania, currently ranked 70, said she owed her success to G.V. Krishna Reddy of GVK Group.

"What I am today I owe it to him (G.V.K. Reddy). He has set an example for others," Sania said at a function organised by GVK to felicitate her and her coaches.

Reddy, who has been sponsoring Sania since she began her tennis career eight years ago, said he was proud to see the girl playing at the centre court at Wimbledon. "Who knows, she will become world number one," he said.

Responding to this, Sania said she was far from the goal GVK had for her. "I thank the coaches who played a role in my success and (my) parents who were with me through thick and thin. Above all I thank god for whatever I have achieved. I did not expect such heights in a short time," said 18-year-old Sania.

When asked if she missed anything because of her stardom, she said it was walking on the streets. "I fulfilled this in England," she said.

"I am satisfied with whatever I am today. Sometime it gets to you that you are always being looked at but this is what I opted for and I have no complaints," she said.

GVK announced sponsoring three more young players - C. Sushrutha Reddy, B. Vikram Reddy and V.K.C. Vishesh.