Wimbledon: Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna exit out of mixed doubles

The Indian mixed doubles pair of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna went down 11-9 playing an exciting third round of Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The contest resumed with the Jean Julien-Roger and Andreja Klepac having a one-set lead against Mirza and Bopanna. The Indians grabbed the second set by the same margin but ended up losing 6-3, 3-6, 11-9. With this defeat India’s challenge came to an end at the grass court Grand Slam.

Rohan Bopanna play in the service games and net play was spot on. But Sania Mirza’s serve was put under pressure in the decider. Mirza has not played much competitive tennis post her comeback and is struggling to get her serve right.

Serving to stay in the match at 5-6 in the decider, Mirza managed to gain momentum after a few anxious moments.

Bopanna’s reflexes at the net and a solid game from the baseline and a superb lob from Mirza that helped the Indians pull off the game after two deuce.

Mirza’s serve came in a similar fashion at the 9-10. Roger hit a crushing forehand winner at 15-15 and then Bopanna’s volley sailed over the baseline.

The Dutch player, on the second match point, hit a brilliant service ball that went past Bopanna’s right hand.

It was Mirza’s last tournament before the Tokyo Olympics where she will compete in the women’s doubles with Ankita Raina. Sania is all set to become the first women in the history of Indian sports to represent the country in four Olympics.