New York, Sep 7: Leander Paes and Meghan Shaughnessy (US) has lost the final of the mixed doubles competition 4-6, 7-6 to the Belarus pair of Max Mirnyi and Victoria Azarenka at the US Open.

Paes, who was in search of a career grand slam in mixed doubles, failed to cross the final hurdle with American partner Shaughnessy despite chances. The Indo-American duo made five unforced errors and two double faults against six and three from their opponents.

The Belarus duo was even down 6-5 in the second set tiebrake after winning the first set but holding on to their nerves Mirnyi and Azarenka, who grew up in the same hometown, went on to take the breaker saving five set-points in the process and with it the mixed title.

Paes has seven Grand Slam victories under his belt with four in doubles and three in mixed doubles events.

UNI