Mirza first Indian woman in 4th round of slam

Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to reach the fourth round of a grand slam tournament when she beat Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli 7-6 6-4 at the US Open last night.

Mirza, 18, who has become a major sporting celebrity in India with her charge up the tennis ladder this year, advanced to a fourth-round match against top-seeded Maria Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion.

"Every round of a grand slam is very important, especially fourth round at the US Open," Mirza said after whipping 45 winners in her victory against Bartoli on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court.

"I just came here thinking I wanted to win one round and won three. I'm very happy about it."

Mirza finished 2004 ranked 206th and, buoyed by winning the WTA Tour title in Hyderabad, has risen to 42, highest ever ranking held by an Indian woman.

She said her next match, bound to be staged on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, would be special. She did not think she would feel undue pressure when she faces the 18-year-old Sharapova.

"She's no.1 seed, so I still have nothing to lose if I'm going to play her. There's obviously no pressure on me. I don't think a lot of people expect me to win."

Results

Women: Sharapova bt Schruff 6-2 6-4.

Men: Srichaphan bt Davidenko 6-4 7-5 6-3; Hewitt bt Acasuso 7-6 7-6 6-2; Sanguinetti bt Moya 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4.