TENNIS: Australia’s unseeded mixed doubles pairing of Samantha Stosur and John Peers have been narrowly defeated by Indian fourth seeds Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna 5-7, 4-6 at the Olympic Tennis Centre in Rio.

The Australians more than held their own against their more fancied rivals and were unlucky on numerous occasions throughout both sets of the entertaining match.

“There really wasn’t much in it,” said Stosur. “It was a bit of a bugger to loose serve late in that first set and then we were able to break him (Bopanna) straight back so we were right there with them. We just needed to try and get ourselves in front but unfortunately we were not able to do so.”

The defeat brings to an end Australia’s tennis campaign in Rio with Stosur and Peers leaving satisfied with their experience.

“It has been fun; another great week, another great experience,” said Stosur after her fourth Olympic campaign.

“Getting to be on court with John and Dash (Daria Gavrilova) in doubles was great. It isn’t something that I have done too often and then playing some decent singles all made it a great experience for me.

“I am happy with the way I played this week. Obviously I would have loved to have done better but unfortunately that is the way it goes.”

For Olympic debutant Peers, the experience is something he will remember forever.

“It has been an unbelievable experience,” said Peers. “I have loved being a part of the [tennis] team and a part of the entire Australian Olympic team.

“The week has been really great. I have enjoyed everything about it. It is just a shame that it has come to an end so quickly.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t quite sneak through a couple more but it has been great fun and a memorable experience”.

Jo Banning

olympics.com.au