President A P J Abdul Kalam led the country in paying glowing tributes to Hyderabad Open winner Sania Mirza [Images], who created history by becoming the first Indian to claim a WTA title on Saturday.

"I am happy that an Indian player has won this title for the first time. I wish her success in future to bring more laurels to herself and to the country. I see a bright future for her", Kalam said in a statement.

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Congress president Sonia Gandhi [Images] also congratulated the 18-year-old, who upset ninth seed Alyona Bondarenko of Ukraine 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 to lift the USD 140,000 Hyderabad Open.

Congratulating Sania, Shekhawat said the country has great expectations from the player.

"He [Shekhawat] has congratulated her and said the country had great expectations from her," a spokesman for the Vice-President said.

Gandhi, who returned from electioneering in Bihar, watched the match and wished the young tennis star success in her career.

In a letter to Sania, Gandhi said, "This is the proudest moment for women tennis in India. You have made each of us proud by the brilliant performance.

"Please convey my warm congratulations to your parents as well. I am sure that you will continue to win laurels in the coming days."

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said Sania's saga of success in winning this major championship would inspire the youth across the country.

He also congratulated the organisers of the tournament. 

BJP president and Leader of the Opposition L K Advani greeted Sania saying, "Watching her play was a matter of pride for every Indian."

"I am in Patna but I have been watching on television the match being played at Hyderabad," Advani said.

"Watching her play and win was a matter of pride for every Indian. My hearty compliments to Sania Mirza for her victory," Advani said.

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