• US Open, Day One

Watson outclassed by Li Na

ESPN staff
August 27, 2012
Heather Watson fought hard but could not topple Li Na © Getty Images
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Li Na made short work of Heather Watson, as the Brit proved no match for the No. 9 seed in the first round of the US Open.

After making a slow start, Li worked her way into the contest and withstood a rally from Watson before closing out the match 6-2 6-3 following a rain delay.

Watson made a bright opening, forcing Li back behind the baseline with some strong hitting. The Brit had chances in Li's opening two service games, particularly in the second when she forced three deuces. But she failed to convert any of her chances and it proved costly as Li broke in the fifth game.

Li has looked much more like the player that won the French Open in 2011 since linking up with coach Carlos Rodriguez and she steadily found her range to take control of the contest.

She raced through the opening set after working a break but was jolted by some fine play by Watson at the start of the second. After matching her Chinese opponent for four games, Watson forced a hat-trick of break points and took the third of those to edge ahead.

The break stung Li into life and she ran through three games on the spin to take control of the contest before rain took the players off court. It proved to be a lengthy delay but it did not take Li out of her stride as she returned to court and wrapped up the win.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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