Indian Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi defeated Nathalie Dechy of France and Andy Ram of Israel 6-3 and 6-1 to win the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open on Sunday.

"It's always a dream to win a grand slam. That's what we all play for," said Mirza, 22, who has already achieved a series of firsts for Indian women tennis players.

She became the first Indian woman to capture any grand slam title when she partnered Alisa Kleybanova of Russia to win the 2003 Wimbledon junior doubles, then became the first Indian female to win a WTA event when she won at Hyderabad in 2005.

"I know for a fact the whole country's excited now. It's her first slam. She's been in the news for the last four years," said Bhupathi, 34, who has captured his 11th grand slam title.

Bhupathi has won four doubles titles, including three with compatriot Leander Paes, and seven mixed doubles titles, all with different partners.

Sunday's win was India's second title at this year's Australian Open after 16-year-old Yuki Bhambri won the junior boys final on Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 2, 2009)