Exploit Serena's injury, says Paes

MUMBAI: Leander Paes was all praise for Sania Mirza''s achievement. "It is an achievement. She has made full use of the wild card," Leander Paes told TOI from Melbourne. "She has proved she has ability. Her future depends on how much effort she is willing to put in."
Mahesh Bhupathi watched Sania''s annihilation of Petra Mandula on Wednesday. "This is a sign that she is capable of big things," he said. "It is apparent she can perform on the big stage."
Former women''s national champion Sai Jayalakshmy, one of India''s seasoned players, said that Sania has gone far because of her confidence and the strong support she has.
"I cannot recall a more self-assured player in Indian women''s tennis as Sania has looked," she said. "Sania is almost arrogant, and it works for her. Moreover, she has had solid backing from a young age. But she has shown that she is good enough. I see her in the top-100 some day."
Sania''s success will fire up her domestic rivals, like 19-year-old Isha Lakhani. "What Sania has done in Australia is terrific," said Isha, a spunky left-hander who upset Sania in a memorable encounter at Mumbai''s National Sports Club of India in 2003. ''
''This is going to motivate all of us. Indian tennis is rising. We have better coaches, better facilities. We get exposure to top competition, so we know what the level is."
Next up for Sania in the Australian Open is Serena Williams. What should her approach be?
"Serena has not fully recovered from a stomach injury," reminded Paes. "She had withdrawn from the singles at the recent Hong Kong tournament. So Sania should try to keep her on court for long."
Bhupathi said: "There''s every chance Serena will overpower her but Sania has to believe that she can compete with her. She is hitting the ball great and showing character."
Sai said the match was an opportunity for Sania. "There are not many who get to play such a big player at such a big tournament," she said.