Bhupathi, Paes advance: The unseeded pair of Indian star Mahesh Bhupathi and Czech Radek Stepanek brought about an upset of sorts in the men’s doubles when they cruised past the Polish 12th seeded pair of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski 6-4, 6-0 in the first set. They will take on Guillermo Garcia Lopez (Spain) and Filippo Volandri (Italy) in the next round.

Meanwhile, the third seeded Indo-Czech pair of Leander Paes and Martin Damm quelled the challenge of local hopes Jeremy Chardy and Jonathan Eysseric 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2) to advance to the second round of French Open here.

Paes and Damm were stretched by the local combination but the experienced Indo-Czech duo ultimately prevailed over them yesterday. The third seeds were hardly impressive and wasted several opportunities during their patchy display. They could convert just one break point out of 10 that came their way. Paes and Damm will next take on the winners of the match between Michael Kohlmann and Rainer Schuettler of Germany and the Russian-Chilean pair of Teimuraz Gabashvili and Nicolas Massu.

Sania Mirza at Grand Slams

Singles

Debut Year: 2005

• Australian Open: lost in third round to eventual winner Serena Williams

• French Open: lost in first round to Gisela Dulko

• Wimbledon: lost in second round to No. five seed Svetlana Kuznetsova

• US Open: lost in fourth round to top seed Maria Sharapova

In 2006

• Australian Open: lost in second round to Michaella Krajicek

... contd.