US Open: Sania loses in first round

Sania Mirza flattered to deceive and crashed out in the opening round of the ladies singles at the US Open on Tuesday.

The Indian tennis ace was shown the door by her former doubles partner and No 23 seed Shahar Peer, the Israeli coming back strongly after losing the first set to win 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1.

In a tight first set, which saw both players trade a couple of breaks, it was the Indian who held firm to clinch the set via the tie-breaker at 7-5.

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But Sania, who had beaten Peer in four of five previous meetings, failed to sustain the momentum in the second set and committed several unforced errors. Peer broke twice to take the set easily.

In the third set, the Indian was thoroughly outplayed as Peer broke thrice and cruised to victory.

Sania's doubles partner Elena Vesnina of Russia also bowed out after losing 2-6, 4-6 to Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands.

There was a major surprise as French Open champion and sixth seed Li Na of China, another Asian star, fell by the wayside, beaten by Simona Halep of Romania 6-2, 7-5.