Three years ago, Sania Mirza first hit the headlines at the Australian Open with her match against Serena Williams. Now, established as one of the popular players on the women’s tennis circuit, she goes up against Venus Williams in the third round on Saturday.
Sania defeated Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland on Thursday in the second round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open to enter the third round where she will meet eighth seed Venus Williams of the US.

Venus had an unimpressive second round match against France’s Camille Pin but finally won 7-5, 6-4.

Venus, who went through a tough three-setter in her second round, is wary of Sania. She said: “Yeah, actually, I have (played against her) – a little while ago. She’s a good player, also. She tries to play aggressive. Looks like she enjoys herself out there.”

Venus won a second round match featuring 14 service breaks as she defeated Frenchwoman Camille Pin 7-5, 6-4 in one hour and 33 minutes.

Sania came through beating Swiss player Timea Bacsinszky, also in three sets.