Shortly before a WTA event in Kolkata last month, the Jamat-e-Ulema group in Hyderabad issued a statement warning her to stop wearing short skirts and sleeveless shirts saying it was an affront to Islam.

Koklata police had to provide extra security for Mirza to ensure nothing untoward happened during the 170,000-dollar tennis tournament.

"Yes, there was a group who are opposed to it," said Mirza after winning her first-round singles and doubles matches at the Japan Open, her first senior tournament in the country.

"But you just have to do what you have to do. I'm there to play tennis. I don't think I need to focus upon anything else that's happening around me," added the 18-year-old star.

Last year, Mirza became the first woman from India to capture a WTA Tour title, winning the doubles on home turf at Hyderabad.

She became the first Indian woman to reach the third round in her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open in January this year and posted her first singles title, again at Hyderabad, the following month.

In her US Open debut, Mirza reached the fourth round to move up to her highest ever ranking of 34th in the world last month.

On Tuesday, Mirza appeared on the court wearing shorts and a shirt with sleeves to beat Vilmarie Castellvi of Puerto Rico 6-1, 6-3. She then teamed up with Israel's Shahar Peer to beat the American pair of Jill Craybas and Carly Gullickson 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.