By Ros Satar
- 2009 US Open Junior champion yet to win a Round One match in New York
- Beaten by Lauren Davis 7-6(3) 7-6(0)
New York, USA – Heather Watson bowed out in straight sets as she failed yet again to advance past the opening round at the US Open on Monday.
In a nip and tuck affair, Watson and Davis gave no ground, until the Brit looked to be putting more pressure on the American, bringing up three break points but unable to convert. Davis, however had no such issues in converting her first to come out and serve for the first set.
Maybe nerves were a factor as she staved off a break point to serve for the first set, before Watson broke back, as the pair would trade breaks for a couple more games, bringing up the first tie-break.
It was a better start for the American who built up a slender lead, before a decisive second mini-break to bring up her second set point, duly converted.
It was imperative that Watson started the second set with purpose, so it was worrying when Davis broke early to build up 1 3-1 lead, before Watson battled back. Again the pair traded brakes and battered themselves up to a second tie-break, but here the battle ended as Davis ran away with the tie-break, while Watson’s forehand appeared to go AWOL.
It was a disappointing end for Watson, who has had to endure a lot of hyperbole about that third round match against Serena Williams, where she almost had the World No. 1 down and out. While it was a great battle, it is not the be all and end all of Watson’s career, and while she has sought to add a more aggressive edge to her natural defensive capabilities, she needs consistency to progress, having one just one main draw match since Wimbledon, after coming through qualifying in Toronto.
Her US Open is not over as she partners New Zealander Marina Erakovic in the doubles, although they face a tough opener against established pairing Michaella Krajicek and Barbora Strycova, seeded 13th.
Tuesday will see Johanna Konta and Laura Robson start their US Open campaigns. Play will start at 11am (4pm BST), and you can follow the action live via Britwatch Tennis Live-Scores.
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