Heather Watson cruised into the second round of the French Open today, defeating world No63 Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova 6-3, 6-4, writes Chris Jones in Paris.
But the Briton’s achievement was overshadowed by France’s Kristina Mladenovic, who was in tears after knocking out 2011 champion Li Na.
Australian Open champion Na went down 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 to the world No103, having found it tough to handle the power of Mladenovic in the cold and windy conditions.
World No92 Watson, who had to come through qualifying, turned in a performance that confirmed she is ready to challenge for a top-50 place again after a series of injuries.
The 22-year-old from Guernsey will face No4 seed Simona Halep in round two as she carries the flag for British women’s tennis with Laura Robson recovering from wrist surgery.
Zahlavova-Strycova was constantly gesturing to her coach and all looked rosy for Watson when she appeared to have taken a 4-1 first-set lead. However, the umpire spotted her leg had touched the net. Watson was broken in that game but hit back immediately and took the set 6-3. An early lead in the second set suggested a simple victory and, though the Czech tied it at 2-2, Watson broke again in the seventh game and served out.
Read More
MORE ABOUT