Sania Mirza cleared the first hurdle at the US Open qualifiers, scoring an easy straight-set win over Russian Ksenia Lykina here.
The 160-ranked Sania sailed past her opponent, ranked 76 places below her, 6-2 6-2 in the opening round of the qualifying event.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
For the first time ever since her breakthrough campaign at Australian open in 2005, Sania has been forced to earn an entry into the singles main draw of a Grand Slam.
Sania has another Russian as her next opponent in Elena Bovina, who ousted 15th seed German Tatjana Malek.
Bovina came from a set down to beat Malek 6-7(3) 6-2 6-1 in her opening round match.
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}{{#usCountry}}