Heather Watson got the British contingent off to a great (if a little nervy) start at the Australian Open, Melbourne.
By Ros Satar
After taking a week off after a 2nd round loss in Auckland to recover from an elbow injury, Watson found herself down an early break to Cadantu but broke back straight away.
They traded breaks again but Cadantu took the advantage and won the next three games to take the first set 6-2.
The second set started poorly for Watson, broken early again and down 1-3, had a medical time out which reversed her fortunes.
Cadantu also had the trainer out during the same time out, and could not capitalise on her advantage, losing the next five games, Watson winning the second set 6-3.
The reason given for Watson’s MTO was that she was feeling unwell, while her opponent had some treatment for her arm.
At the start of the third set, it was Watson’s turn to break early, but she failed to consolidate, allowing Cadantu to level up at 2-2.
Watson broke again and this time Cadantu had no reply.
Watson took the decider 6-2 and advances into the second round for the first time at the Australian Open.
Andy Murray, Laura Robson and Jamie Baker are all in action on Tuesday, with Murray first up on the Rod Laver Arena.