Sania has won an Australian Open title with Mahesh Bhupathi, and has reached the final twice in his company. But she said on Monday that she did not approach the Indian to pair up for the Grand Slam in Melbourne this time because she had already committed to someone else during the US Open, and it is believed that Bob, 34, could be that partner.

Bob, who won his 82nd men's doubles title in Beijing last week, did not participate in the mixed doubles event at Melbourne last year and his best performance there has been a quarterfinal appearance.

Bob is the winner of six Grand Slam titles in the mixed doubles category, with the last one coming at the US Open in 2010, partnering Liezel Huber. However, this year has not been as successful, despite a much-anticipated match-up with Serena Williams at the French Open, where they crashed out in the opening round. Along with Huber, he was seeded second in the Olympics but suffered another shock first round exit. At Flushing Meadows, he partnered Kim Clijsters during her last professional match at the US Open.