Sania Mirza advances to the second round of Australian Open

17 January, 2006

India's Sania Mirza who recently rose up in the WTA rankings to 32nd position cruised through to the second round of the Australian Open.

Sania made short work of Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beating her 7-6, 6-2.

Sania Mirza who is also seeded 32nd in the tournament made a condident start to the match by snatching a 5-3 lead. However, Victoria bounced back winning the next three games and forcing the tie-break.

Sania kept her cool in the tie break and took the first set after winning the tie-break 8-6.

Sania continued the good run and took the second set easily 6-2, thereby securing a place in the second round.

Sania will now face world No. 43 Michaella Krajicek of Netherlands in her next match.