Hello Hindustan with Kapil Krishnaswamy (5) - Sania Mirza faces Maria Sharapova at US Open

18 year old Sania Mirza has reached the last 16 at the US Open and will face Russian beauty and top seed Maria Sharapova across the net. India's most famous sportswoman is the first Indian woman to reach the last 16 of a grand slam event.

Sania Mirza
I guess I'm playing the best tennis I've ever played (but) it's always one match at a time. You can't just jump ahead.

Mirza hit the headlines in January when she reached the third round of the Australian Open before losing to eventual champion Serena Williams.

Born in Mumbai but raised in Hyderabad, Mirza began playing tennis aged six and quickly rose through the ranks, winning five titles on the ITF Women's Circuit in 2004. She reached the second round at Wimbledon in June and having contested the final at Forest Hills on Saturday, Mirza arrived at Flushing Meadows as the world No.42. With the billion plus population of India following her every move, Mirza is arguably the most popular player in the tournament.

Sania Mirza
I am not like a movie star but I guess they are all excited at home.It's very nice when you have people from your own country and the country you don't belong to cheering you on, so much crowd support, especially where you don't belong. I'm 30 hours away.

Despite her huge popularity at home, Mirza has been criticised by some people for baring flesh in her tennis gear.

Sania Mirza
No Muslim is perfect and no human being is perfect. I guess I'm not dressing the way Islam states but I guess we all make mistakes and that's why Islam has forgiveness.

Beautiful Maria Sharapova