Sania Mirza crashes out of Australian Open

Melbourne, Jan 18: Sania Mirza could not rein in the string of unforced errors and her serve also let her down as the Hyderabadi ace crashed out of the Australian Open singles event following a 3-6, 2-6 second round loss to Japan's Aiko Nakamura here today.

The Indian was erratic throughout, committing 26 double faults in all, as Nakamura outplayed her in just over an hour to set up a third round clash with Swiss Martina Hingis.

Sania thus failed to better her 2005 show at the Melbourne Park, where she had reached the third round before losing to eventual champion Serena Williams.

Nakamura, it seemed, had learnt her lessons from the 2005 loss to Sania in the Japan Open, the only face-off between the two players before today's match, and was clearly the more disciplined, breaking the Indian thrice in the opening set.

Sania also managed to convert the two break points that came her way but never looked to be in her elements and committed 12 unforced errors compared to Nakamura's six to surrender the first set in just 33 minutes.

The second set followed almost the same script and Nakamura gave no chance to the world number 53, breaking her twice. The Hyderabadi star wasted two break points and served poorly, committing three double faults apart from 14 unforced errors to bow out of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Sania later admitted that she was not in her best form and blamed poor serve and the inability to land the trademark forehands for the straight set loss.

''There's not much you can do when you play like that. I'm obviously disappointed but all players have off days, although it hurts more because it's a Grand Slam,'' the world number 53 told reporters.

Sania said the match was a learning experience for her and she was not unduly worried about making early exits in Grand Slams.

''Every match is a learning experience. But that's the beauty of tennis. There's always tomorrow,'' she said.

''I don't think there's too much for me to worry about. I'm only 20 and have only been on the tour for two years. I like to think I've got a few years ahead of me yet,'' she added.

UNI