Sania advances

This motivated her to raise her game in the second, and the Croat had few answers to the Indian8217;s game. Sania quickly took a 4-1 lead and never relinquished control thereafter, sealing the win in 75 minutes.

The serve, considered one of the weaker parts of her game, won her 71 per cent of points on the first delivery and 57 per cent on her second.

The 22-year-old Sprem did not help her cause by spraying 33 unforced errors, in comparison with Sania8217;s 21. Though Sprem had the bigger serve she committed four double faults.

After the match, Sania said sticking to her game plan helped her against a potentially tough rival. 8220;I stuck to my game plan. She was a tough player to get in the first round. She has been in the top 15 in the world. My serving was the key. Hardcourt is my favourite surface. It8217;s faster than at the Australian and the French and New York is my favourite place,8221; she said.