Sania Mirza put up a brave fight before losing the third and final round of the qualifying event of ASB Classic to former world number 23 Sabine Lisicki in Auckland on Monday.

Sania’s 1-6 7-6 (7) 6-7 (5) defeat after two hours and 20 minutes battle at the packed centre court means that she won’t compete in the main draw of the USD 220,000 event.

Sania shrugged off a sluggish start to regroup and challenge her German opponent with some good overall game.

Sania overcame an early break of serve in the second set which she stretched to the tie-break and levelled the scores.

The third set also went the full distance with Sania having an upper hand with a 5-2 lead in the tie-breaker but nerves got the better of him and the Indian lost it.

An unforced error by Sania at five-all handed the German her first match point and she converted that without that any fuss.

Sania came into the tournament after a singles title win at the Dubai WTA event and today’s defeat also ended her seven-match win streak.