• Sony Ericsson Open

Miami woe for Ward - but Watson wins epic

ESPN staff
March 20, 2012
James Ward lost serve three times in the first set © Getty Images
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James Ward fell at the final hurdle of qualifying for the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, losing in straight sets to France's Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

World No. 162 Ward was beaten comprehensively, falling 6-3 6-3 to the top seed in 73 minutes on court.

Roger-Vasselin, ranked 73 places higher than his opponent, broke serve three times in the first set and once in the second.

Ward was ground down by a fine service performance from Roger-Vasselin, who gave away just six points on his first delivery.

Andy Murray played Roger-Vasselin in the second round of the Australian Open earlier this year; the Scot triumphed 6-1 6-4 6-4.

In the first round of the women's event, Heather Watson overturned a 5-0 final-set deficit to beat Sorana Cirstea of Romania. Wildcard entrant Watson looked to be heading towards defeat in the third, but after saving match points she came back to win 6-3 3-6 7-6(4) in two hours and 12 minutes.

Elena Baltacha will not join Watson in the second round after sinking to a defeat against wildcard Shuai Zeng. Zeng, ranked 110 places lower than Baltacha, triumphed 6-7(5) 6-3 6-2 with seven breaks of serve.

Fellow Brit Laura Robson also bowed out at the final stage of qualification after losing to Melinda Czink. The Hungarian proved too strong for Robson, claiming a 7-6(4) 6-2 victory.

More to follow, including details of Laura Robson

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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