Sania Mirza marked her return from an elbow injury with a fighting victory in the doubles event at the USD 2.1 million WTA Tour Pacific Life Open in California, on Thursday.

The 19-year old, who suffered the injury on her serving arm two weeks ago, partnered Ai Sugiyama of Japan to defeat Antonella Serra Zanetti of Italy and Stephanie Foretz of France 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the Tier 1 event at Indian Wells.

Sania, whose world ranking had slipped to 45, had a bye in the singles first round and is scheduled to play a qualifier in the second round.