Mirza through to Australian Open

India tennis star Sania Mirza beats Dubois to book her sport in Australian Open women's singles main draw.

India tennis star Sania Mirza has booked her spot in the women’s singles main draw of the Australian Open that begins today with a straight-sets win over Canada’s Stephanie Dubois.

The 24th-seed defeated her opponent 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and 13 minutes in the third and final round of the qualifying yesterday. Although, Mirza dropped her serve twice in the first set, Dubois failed to capitalise on the opportunities.

The 145th-ranked Mirza had four double faults in the first set and six in total before she finally went ahead in the game. The Indian, after breaking Dubois’ serve thrice in the second set, dropped her serve just once before finally winning the match.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2011.