Sania misses Strasbourg Open

Sania Mirza had a not-so-impressive return to the tennis court after an injury lay-off, as she failed to qualify for the main draw of the $170,000 Strasbourg Open in France today.

Sania won her first qualification match against Svenja Weidemann of Germany before losing to Julia Vakulenko of Ukraine in straight sets in the tournament, which is the last before the start of the French Open. Vakulenko won 6-3, 6-3 on the clay courts at the sport centre of Hautepierre, according to information received here. The Indian played both the matches today because of heavy rains yesterday.

Meanwhile in Rome, Amelie Mauresmo fought back from a set and a break down to win her second consecutive Rome Masters title by beating eighth seed Patty Schnyder 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday. The victory extended the Frenchwoman’s impressive record in the Italian capital, where she has reached five of the last six finals. She took a set and a half before finding her rhythm against the Swiss left-hander.