By Ros Satar
Ayumi Morita def Heather Watson 1-6, 7-5, 6-4
After starting on serve, Watson took the early advantage after the first change of ends breaking Morita and consolidating to put herself comfortably ahead.
The next few games saw them fighting to deuce for every game, with Watson getting another break before serving and taking the first set.
First blood in the second set went to Watson, breaking Morita to 15 just before the first change of ends.
Things started to take a depressingly familiar path for Morita, finding herself down a double break for the second time.
Morita had a glimmer of hope when she broke Watson’s serve to close the gap to a single break.
Another break of the Watson serve, and a subsequent hold put things back on an even par, leaving this very much Watson’s set to lose.
A much needed Watson hold stopped a run of four games on the trot for Morita, but it was a temporary stay of execution.
Watson was broken on her next service game, taking the match into a deciding set.
After a hard fought game which saw Watson having to save break point after break point, Morita got the edge, to lead 4-2.
Watson broke back, before Morita took a nasty fall.
After a break the momentum seemed to be with Watson, who held to love on the re-start but coming out to stay in the set, Watson was only able to save one of the match points against her.
Morita took the match in a little over 2 ¾ hours.
Watson and her regular doubles partner Marina Erakovic could meet Laura Robson, who partners Lisa Raymond this fortnight if they get through their first round matches.
Picture Credit: Keith Allison via Creative Commons Licence