• London 2012 - Tennis

Robson and Watson advance

Laura Robson moved into round two in battling fashion © PA Photos

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Laura Robson and Heather Watson took full advantage of their late entry into the Olympics women's singles with first-round wins.

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Robson claimed a a 7-6 6-4 win over Lucie Safarova, while Watson was even more impressive with a 6-2 6-2 win over Silvia Soler Espinosa.

Robson mixed aces and double faults, seven of each, but she kept her nerve when it mattered to book her place in round two.

Petra Martic's withdrawal on account of injury opened the door for Robson, but she faced no easy task against a player ranked 73 places above her in the world standings. Robson was not fazed by the task that faced her as she made a bright start and looked well in control, only to falter and allow Safarova back in.

The opening set went into a tiebreak and Robson again faltered with the winning post in sight with double faults, but she steeled herself to edge ahead.

The second set went with serve until Robson took a decisive break in the ninth game. The path to the second round was not a simple one to navigate for Robson, who had to save four break points before wrapping up the win.

Watson, who was handed a place in the draw due to Alona Bondarenko's defection, powered down seven aces in a performance of complete dominance against Soler Espinosa.

Elena Baltacha put up a spirited display, but slipped to a 6-4 7-6(5) defeat to former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic in the Olympic tennis.

Baltacha made a poor start and was swiftly 3-0 down in the first set, but she rallied to force her way back into the match. Ivanovic edged the opening set, but it was an even affair and Baltacha matched her opponent from the baseline.

The Brit saved three match points on her own serve in the 10th game and took the second set to a tiebreak, but she failed to recover from losing the first four points and Ivanovic booked her place in the third round when Baltacha netted a forehand return.

Baltacha was also beaten in the doubles as she played alongside Anne Keothavong, losing 6-3 6-1 to Julia Goerges and Anna-Lena Gronefeld.

Baltacha is now set to be out of the sport for some time in order to undergo ankle surgery.

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