• Wimbledon, Day One

Watson excels in win over world No. 55

ESPN staff
June 25, 2012
Heather Watson held her nerve at 15-40 when serving for the match © PA Photos
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Heather Watson produced arguably the result of the opening day at Wimbledon, defeating world No. 55 Iveta Benetsova on Centre Court.

The 20-year-old Brit, 48 places behind her rival in the world rankings, kept the opening day's crowd on their seats until close to 9pm as she carved out an impressive 6-2 6-1 victory.

The catalyst moment came in the second set when, already leading by a set to love, Watson broke in game four to run away with the contest. She faced a test at 15-40 when serving for the match, but she stayed composed to book a second round meeting with Jamie Lee Hampton.

Fellow Brit Naomi Broady was less successful in her clash with Spain's Lourdes Dominguez Lino, who won 6-4 7-6(4).

Oliver Golding had a debut to remember at Wimbledon although it ultimately ended in defeat for the British youngster. Golding, 18, handed a wildcard into the main draw for the first time, stunned Igor Andreev as he took the opening set comfortably, but could not sustain his challenge as he fell 1-6 7-6(4) 7-6(7) 7-5.

The world No. 491 showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion as he gave the former world No. 18 a run for his money on Court No. 2.

Josh Goodall was the first British player to be knocked out as he was beaten in four sets by Grega Zemlja. Goodall rallied from losing the opening set to level, but struggled to deal with the Slovenian's powerful serve as he bowed out with a 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) 6-4 defeat.

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