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.
{{/usCountry}}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.
{{/usCountry}}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.