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Sharma loses bid for maiden WTA title

3 minute read

Australian Astra Sharma has come within two games of winning her first WTA title before falling to American Amanda Anisimova at the Copa Colsanitas in Colombia.

ASTRA SHARMA plays a forehand during the Australian Open Play-off at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.
ASTRA SHARMA plays a forehand during the Australian Open Play-off at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Robert Prezioso/Getty Images

Australian Astra Sharma has missed out on a maiden WTA title after succumbing to a spirited fightback from fellow rookie Amanda Anisimova at the Copa Colsanitas in Colombia.

The 23-year-old West Australian was just two games away from beating the American sixth seed before losing the decider at the clay-court tournament in Bogota 4-6 6-4 6-1 in one hour and 43 minutes on Sunday.

The two heavy-hitters initially returned aggressively in the first set but struggled with their serves before Sharma pulled ahead and held at 4-2.

Anisimova levelled up at 4-4 but then dropped serve before sending a backhand wide to hand serve to Sharma, who hit a forehand winner to close it out.

The world No.138 managed to lead early in the second before the 17-year-old American levelled at 2-2. Sharma went up at 3-2, but hit three double faults before allowing Anisimova to level again with a forehand shot.

The Australian failed to snatch a break point at 4-4 with Anisimova blasting a winning backhand before Sharma's long forehand evened the match.

The American then took control in the third set with Sharma's unforced errors mounting to allow her opponent to race to 3-0.

Sharma managed to hold for 3-1 with a solid volley, but Anisimova held for love at 4-1 before hitting a clean winner.

The world No.76 then served for the match at 5-1 to lift her first-ever WTA singles trophy and leave her Australian challenger empty-handed.

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