Somdev goes down fighting; Sania crash out of women's doubles

Melbourne, Jan 16: Somdev Devvarman gave a mighty scare to world number 26 Jerzy Janowicz before fizzling out while Sania Mirza and her American player Bethanie Mattek-Sands suffered a shock first round exit at the Australian Open here today.

Somdev was well on course to record his best performance at the Grand Slams but frittered away a two-set lead to go down 7-6(10) 6-3 1-6 0-6 5-7 against 24th seed Polish rival in the men's singles second round.

Somdev showed he has recovered well from his shoulder surgery, which spoiled his 2012 season, but somehow could not complete the job despite a magnificent start.

Known for his never-say-die spirit, Somdev battled for four hours at court number eight but ended up on the wrong side of the result.

Meanwhile, in the women's doubles Sania and Bethanie, who came into tournament after winning the Brisbane international, were ousted by Spanish team of Silvia Soler-Espinosa and Carla Suarez Navarro.

The 10th Indo-American team bowed out with a 6-7(4) 3-6 defeat in their opening round of the women's doubles.

Sania will now compete in the mixed doubles with new partner Bob Bryan.