Doha, Qatar, 12 February 2013 | tennis.com.au

Anastasia Rodionova has continued her strong run at the WTA Qatar Total Open in Doha, defeating China’s Zheng Jie in straight sets in the opening round.

Rodionova, who won two matches in qualifying to take her place in the main draw, brushed aside Zheng 6-2 6-3.

“First win over top 50 player in 2013… Feels good!” she announced on her Twitter page.

Zheng, most notable among Australian fans for upsetting Sam Stosur at both the Apia International in Sydney and in the second round of the Australian Open, was dismissed by the 131st-ranked Rodionova in one hour and 42 minutes.

In her next match, Rodionova will face No.4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who received a bye into the second round of the WTA Premier-level event.