Sania beat Hwang to give 1-0 lead to India in Hopman cup

Sania Mirza defeated I Hsuan Hwang 6-2, 6-4 in the women's singles to put India 1-0 up against Chinese Taipei in the inaugural Asian Hopman Cup at the SAAP Tennis Complex here today.

Sania, recovering from last night's fever, was not in her elements but notched up a convincing 6-2 6-4 win against her opponent, ranked 316 in world.

Sania broke Hwang in the 5th and 7th games in the first set with huge applause from the spectators.

In the second set, Sania drew first blood and broke Hwang in the the very first game and then held her serve to lead 2-0 to the delight of the capacity crowd.

Hwang engaged Sania in long rallies but despite her slight illness, Sania played well to live up to her reputation to take the second set 6-4.

"I was not feeling well. Had fever last night and am feeling weak", Sania said after the match.

"I did not have energy to pick up some of the serves. Now I am feeling a bit better, hope I will be recover fully for the mixed doubles", she said.

Rohan Boppanna will play the men's singles against Ti Chen followed by mixed doubles. The winner of the tournament will get a wild card entry into the Hopman Cup to be played in Sydney.