Sania Mirza advanced to the second round of the Dubai Open on Monday, beating Ekaterina Makarova of Russia 7-5, 6-2.

The Indian who was runner-up in the recently concluded Pattaya Open on Sunday was rusty in the first set but recovered in time to secure her win.

After breaking back in the eight game, Sania cruised home, her strong forehand proving too much for the Russian to handle.

-C.K