She couldn't have asked for a better start to the season. Back with Bethanie Mattek-Sands after the American fell sick last year, the unseeded pair took only 90 minutes to grab the first title of the year in Brisbane. Upsetting fourth-seeded Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Kveta Peschke, the Indo-American duo triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 10-7 on Saturday at the $1,000,000 Premier Brisbane International.

"It really exciting to beat some of the top doubles teams of the world this week. (They had beaten former world No. 1s Liezel Huber and Maria-Jose Martinez Sanchez in the quarters). 

Year ahead
"I will be partnering Bethanie this year and we are looking forward to the Australian Open," a delighted Sania told HT after pocketing her 15th career title.

However, the 26-year-old will be seen partnering Huber in Sydney next week because Mattek-Sands will be trying her luck in the qualifying rounds at Melbourne.

The Indo-American pair started the final strongly and was a break up before their opponents upped their game to grab the first set.

Coming back strongly in the second, they levelled scores and soon took a decisive 9-5 lead in the super tie-break.

Earning 470 ranking points each and sharing $51022 in prize money, Sania feels they could be seeded for the Australian Open beginning January 14.

"We should be seeded now and if we get a good start, we could go deep in the draw with a bit of luck," she said.