New Delhi: Sania Mirza pulled up her socks in time to clinch a second round win and set up a clash with world number eight Elena Dementieva of Russia in the $2.1 million Pacific Life Open WTA Tour event at Indian Wells, USA.
Sania, who slipped to 45 in world rankings last week, defeated local qualifier Bethanie Mattek 6-2 3-6 7-5 to advance to the third round of the tier I tournament.
Mattek came back strongly in the next set to take Sania by surprise. The American, who is ranked 115th in the world, shocked the Hyderabadi to storm through the set 6-3 and take the match in to the decider, which saw a pitched battle between the two.
The Indian, who had a bye in the first round, will have a tough job on hands when she takes on Dementieva.
This is the first time Sania has managed to go beyond the second round of a singles competition this year. The Indian has had a less than impressive start to her year failing to produce any of the remarkable results that she managed last year.
Earlier, Shikha Uberoi bowed out to M Camarine of Italy 7-6 (5) 4-6 2-6 in the qualifiers last week.
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