Wimbledon 2021: Sania Mirza advances, Rohan Bopanna-Divij Sharan eliminated

The Indo-American pair of Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands beat Desirae Krawczyk and Alexa Guarachi 7-5, 6-3 in women's doubles tie to go through to the second round.

Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands(R) in a file photo; Credit: Facebook/https://www.facebook.com/sania.mirza
By Sreejith C R | Jul 2, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands beat sixth seed Desirae Krawczyk and Alexa Guarachi in the women’s doubles first round tie at Wimbledon 2021. Mirza and Mattek-Sands had a rusty start to the match. But in the end, they convincingly defeated the American-Chilean combination 7-5, 6-3 in 1 hour and 27 minutes. Meanwhile, Sania Mirza was returning to Wimbledon for the first time since 2017.

Mattek-Sands served three double faults in a slow start. But, the duo eventually held on after saving three breakpoints. Early on in the match, the pressure was on Sania Mirza and Mattek-Sands. The American served the third game that produced seven deuce points.

The Indo-American pair had an opportunity to break their opponents. But Mattek-Sands fluffed a volley from the net before Krawczyk served extremely well to eventually hold on.

In the 12th game Guarachi hit a forehand wide at 15-30 to hand two points to their rivals. The 34-year-old Indian finished off the set with an overhead smash.

Sania Mirza puts in better performance in second set

After a tight first set, Mirza and Mattek-Sands opened up a 3-1 lead in the second set. Mattek-Sands’ low backhand return was hit back uppishly. Mirza latched on to that with an unreturnable smash to take a 3-1 cushion.

In the other match, the Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan went eliminated in the first round of men’s doubles. They were beaten by 11th seed Eduard Roger-Vasselin and Henri Kontenin 6-7(4), 4-6.

Meanwhile, it was a historic day for Indian tennis. Two women players were competing in the main draw of the Grand Slam for the first time. Ankita Raina and Lauren Davis went down against Asia Muhammad and Jessica Pegula in the first round of women’s doubles. They were beaten 6-3, 6-2.