Last of the Brits: Watson bows out of Open

Britain’s Heather Watson was knocked out of the Australian Open 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-2 by Anett Kontaveit today in Melbourne.

Watson, who was the last of the British women entrants, battled from 3-0 and 4-1 down and 5-2 down in the tie-break to take the opening set, but after losing the second to the Estonian, ran out of steam in the third.

Kontaveit will face the USA’s Shelby Rogers in the next round.

“I’m really happy with the way I played today,” Kontaviet said.

Anett Kontaveit conceded it was a tough match against Heather Watson. Photo: Tennis Australia/ MORGAN HANCOCK

“I hung in there and it was such a tough match. I’m feeling really great and I’m happy with last week as well so I’m really happy with how this week goes.

“It was extremely close but the momentum was swinging. I managed to fight for everything and stay in it as much as I could. I’m really happy with that.

“Shelby is a really good player and had a good end of season last year and is playing well. It’s going to be a tough match and I hope I recover from today and get ready for that.”

Peter Rowe

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