Sania Mirza's lean patch continued as the Indian ace crashed out of the USD 4,500,000 Sony Ericsson Open after losing a gruelling first round match against world number 65 Mathilde Johansson of France here. Sania, a wild card entrant, won the first set but could not survive the battle of nerves and lost 6-1 6-7 (2) 6-7 (8) against her rival.

Also making a first round exit was India's teen sensation Yuki Bhambri, who put up a valiant fight against world number 73 Diego Junqueira of Argentina. The 15-year-old Indian wild card showed a steely resolve as he kept his seasoned opponent in fight for one hour and 22 minutes before losing 4-6 3-6. Sania had failed to move beyond the second round at Indian Wells last week.