TOKYO, Oct 3: India’s rising tennis star Sania Mirza is hoping her successful season will continue this week at the Japan Open in Tokyo. “I’ve never played at senior level in Japan, but I’ve been to Osaka twice and to Nagoya twice in the juniors. I’ve always played well in Japan. I’m looking forward to a great week,” said Mirza.

The 18-year-old, who won the Japan Open junior doubles title in 2003, will take on qualifier Vilmarie Castellvi of Puerto Rico, the 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 winner over American Ashley Harkleroad on Monday.

Last year, Mirza became the first woman from India to capture a WTA Tour title, winning the doubles on home turf at Hyderabad.

She became the first Indian woman to reach the third round in her grand slam debut at the Australian Open in January this year and posted her first singles title, again at Hyderabad, the following month.

In her US Open debut, Mirza reached the fourth round to move up to her highest ever ranking of 34th in the world last month.

Mirza said her successful results were “just a matter of time.” —Agencies