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 [ Images ] 2004.

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

Shikha will play Venus Williams [ Images ] 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, India [ Images ]n tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] and Neha Uberoi at the helm, the future of women's tennis in India seems extremely bright; brighter than it has ever seemed before."