Sania makes shocking first round exit from Rogers Cup

Montreal, Aug 15 (UNI) Sania Mirza made a shocking first round exit from the Rogers Cup, losing to an Italian qualifier Alberta Brianti 6-2, 1-6, 2-6 in the WTA 1,340,000 dollar event here.

The Indian lost her way after winning the first set against the figthting Italian, who was quick to take advantage of Sania's shortcomings and turn the match in her favour to advance into the second round of the tier I event.

Sania got off to a flying start as she ran away with the opening set without much trouble against the Italian. However, the Indian was taken by surprise by Alberta in the second set, which turned the tide in the Italian's favour.

The Hyderabadi teen was once again let down by her poor serve, which allowed the Italian to stage a dramatic comeback to shock the Sania. The world number 44 dropped her serve and managed to win just a point before Alberta took the match into a third set.

A resurgent Alberta, having got her rhythm back with the second set win, dashed the comeback hopes of Sania, who continued to struggle and eventually dropped out of contention from the event.

This was Sania's second successive first round exit after she lost her opening match in the Los Angeles Open last week.

The Indian will now team up with Poland's Marta Domachowska in the doubles competition and face the Italian-American pair of Tathiana Garbin and Meilen Tu today.

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