Thursday, January 27 2005 14:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: After her exploits at the Australian Open in Melbourne, rising tennis star Sania Mirza arrived in Hyderabad today (Jan 27, 2005) to a tumultuous welcome.

Sania, who became the first Indian woman to enter the third round of a Grand Slam, was welcomed by Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority officials, hordes of fans, friends and family members at the Begumpet Airport.

Sania, accompanied by her parents and other family members, was taken in an open jeep procession to Raj Bhavan where she was felicitated by Governor Sushil Kumar Shinde.

The 18-year-old local girl shot into prominence after winning the girls Wimbledon doubles title in 2003 and created history by becoming the first Indian woman to enter the third round of a Grand Slam in the Australian Open last week.

She lost to World No 7 and tournament favourite Serena Williams in the third round in the Australian Open in Melbourne but not before matching the former Number 1 stroke by stroke in the second set, which she lost 4-6.

"It was a memorable event and breaking her serve with a matching forehand was very satisfying," she said while describing her Grand Slam experience as "exciting".

Sania, recovering from an ankle injury, will be playing in the WTA Hyderabad Open beginning on February 7.