Gutsy Watson Falls Just Short

British interest in the women's draw ended as Heather Watson came agonizingly close to causing a first round upset, pushing thirty-first seed Daniela Hantuchova to a third set before losing 7-5 3-6 6-3.

Watson joined compatriot Laura Robson in falling at the first hurdle after Robson lost in straight sets earlier in the day.

After battling through three rounds of qualifying, Watson will be pleased to have tested a seeded player after a difficult season last year suffering from glandular fever. However, having fought toe-to-toe with the Slovakian throughout, she will undoubtedly be disappointed not to progress.

Despite a solid start to the match, Watson found herself a break down at 4-2. However, she was quick to break back, tying the first set up at 4-4. Despite leading 5-4 Watson ended the set with a flurry of nerves, getting broken to eventually lose 7-5.

Watson came out fighting in the second set, refusing to give Hantuchova another break despite her best efforts. Her resilience paid off as she broke the Slovakian to take a 4-2 lead. Both players then broke each other to take it to 5-3. An unlucky Hawk-Eye decision seemed to affect Hantuchova's concentration, as Watson served out the set to take it to a decider.

The third set continued with both players engaged in grueling baseline rallies in the Melbourne heat. Hantuchova had three break points early on but blew them all as Watson held serve. The Slovakian didn't make the same mistake twice, breaking Watson in the next game and racing to a 4-1 lead.

A fantastic forehand return down the line helped set up a break back point which Watson duly converted to make it 4-3. However, it was not to last as Hantuchova broke back before serving out the match, Watson drilling a backhand into the net on match point.

Watson refused to be too down-heartened by the defeat, telling BBC Sport, Even though I might be dropping in the rankings, I'm not worried about that. I've had a good start to the year, I've improved as a player, and it's been a positive few weeks".

Hantuchova will go on to face the Czech, Karolina Pliskova, who came through her first round match against Pauline Parmentier 6-0 6-1. Elsewhere, British hopes now lie firmly in the hands of Andy Murray who begins his campaign on Tuesday evening against Go Soeda.

Published on SEaT Capital.