SPORTS

Sania unfazed despite early exit

January 18, 2007 15:23 IST

India's Sania Mirza was unfazed by a 6-3, 6-2 drubbing at the hands of Aiko Nakamura of Japan that saw her make a second round exit in the Australian Open women's singles on Thursday.

The 20-year-old Indian had few answers to the double-handed shots from Nakamura, who reached the third round for the second consecutive year.

Mirza's woes were compounded by dishing out 26 unforced errors to her 23-year-old opponent's nine in the clash between two unseeded players.

"There's not much you can do when you play like that," Mirza told reporters.

"I'm obviously disappointed but all players have off days, although it hurts more because it's a Grand Slam."

Mirza rose to become a youth icon in cricket-mad India after she reached a surprise third-round place in Melbourne in 2005 before going on to become the first Indian woman to win a WTA title.

A disappointed Mirza hopes to learn from her mistakes.

"I think everyone in India will be disappointed but the fans there are always very supportive," she said. "I have a lot of love and affection there.

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

Mirza, ranked 53 in the world, had raised hopes of a good run in the year's first Grand Slam after a strong showing for India in the Hopman Cup and a semi-final berth in Hobart.

"I don't think there's too much for me to worry about," she said. "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."

Source: REUTERS
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