Sania qualifies for Australian Open

Sania Mirza booked a berth in the women's singles main draw of the Australian Open with an easy straight sets victory over Canada's Stephanie Dubois, in Melbourne on Sunday.

The 24th seed Indian triumphed 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and 13 minutes in the third and final round of the qualifying competition.

Sania had to go through the qualifying route due to her low ranking as she has slipped to 145th spot due injuries last season.

Sania dropped her serve twice in the first set but the Canadian offered more chances as the Indian converted four of five to put her nose ahead.

Sania cashed in on an erratic Dubois, who faced seven breakpoints in the second set and the Hyderabadi converted three of them to seal the win.