The two former top 30-players traded breaks twice to force a first set tie-breaker with Coin racing to a 5-2 lead. But Sania fought back to reel off four points to take the first set.

The 83rd-ranked Indian began the second set by dropping her serve in the very first game, but broke back in the fourth and was serving for the match in the ninth. But Coin rallied from 0-30 to break Sania's serve again.

However, Sania broke back immediately to win the set and the match.

'My biggest strength is that no one can read my forehand...I can hit it anywhere,' Sania said.

'Everyone here hits the ball and moves well,' she said. 'But, winning is all about experience and doing it consistently.'

Concurring with Sania, Coin said: 'I felt like we both dropped our level of play after the first set and then she surprised me with her big forehand on crucial points.'