Bogota, Colombia, 15 April 2019 | AAP

Australian Astra Sharma missed out on a maiden WTA title after succumbing to a spirited fightback from fellow rookie Amanda Anisimova at the Copa Colsanitas in Colombia.

The 23-year-old West Australian was just two games away from beating the American sixth seed before losing the decider at the claycourt tournament in Bogota 4-6 6-4 6-1 in one hour and 43 minutes on Sunday.

“It was an incredible atmosphere,” said Sharma. “It was my first time playing in a final like this and just such a memorable experience.

“I’d like to thank everybody back home – my coaches, my family and my friends, who have been sending me all these messages of love and support. It has been an unreal experience.”

The two heavy-hitters initially returned aggressively in the first set but struggled with their serves before Sharma pulled ahead and held at 4-2.

Fantastic week for Australia’s Astra Sharma. Wins the doubles title and makes her 1st @WTA final @CopaWTABogota. Knocking on the door of a Top 100 debut.

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) April 14, 2019

Anisimova levelled up at 4-4 but then dropped serve before sending a backhand wide to hand serve to Sharma, who hit a forehand winner to close it out.

The world No.138 managed to lead early in the second before the 17-year-old American levelled at 2-2.

Sharma went up at 3-2, but hit three double faults before allowing Anisimova to level again with a forehand shot.

The Australian failed to snatch a break point at 4-4 with Anisimova blasting a winning backhand before Sharma’s long forehand evened the match.

The American then took control in the third set with Sharma’s unforced errors mounting to allow her opponent to race to 3-0.

Sharma managed to hold for 3-1 with a solid volley, but Anisimova held for love at 4-1 before hitting a clean winner.

The world No.76 then served for the match at 5-1 to lift her first-ever WTA singles trophy and leave her Australian challenger empty-handed.

“It has been an unreal experience!”#ClaroOpenColsanitas finalist @astrasharma offers her post-match gratitude! pic.twitter.com/TyEAPAOhgH

— WTA (@WTA) April 14, 2019