Shikha storms into the 2nd round

US citizen of Indian origin Shikha Uberoi stormed into the second round of the main draw in the women's singles at the US Open 2004.

She upset world No. 62 Saori Obata of Japan in the first round, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, in what turned out to be a spectacular match.

Shikha will play Venus Williams in the second round.

Playing through the qualifying rounds earlier, Shikha had upset Vilmarie Castellvi of Puerto Rico in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, to successfully win herself a berth in the main draw.

Speaking about Uberoi's first round victory, Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi said, "Shikha's excellent performance at the US Open is a very positive sign for women's tennis in India. With Shikha Uberoi, Sania Mirza and Neha Uberoi at the helm, the future of women's tennis in India seems extremely bright; brighter than it has ever seemed before."