International Tennis Federation

Watson back to winning ways in Poitiers

ESPN staff

October 22, 2013

Watson has been in poor form this year © AP

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Heather Watson saw off Christina McHale in the ITF tournament in Poitiers to claim just her second win in as many months.

The 21-year-old has decided to extend her season slightly by dropping down from the WTA Tour to play one of the second tier's biggest events.

And the British No. 3 was forced to come back from a set down against her American opponent who, like Watson, is also recovering after being struck down with glandular fever.

Watson also found herself 4-2 down in the decider before a break of serve triggered a run of four straight games to complete a 2-6 7-5 6-4 victory.

The win was much-needed for Watson who has won just five matches since returning from illness at the French Open. She has fallen from a career-high 39 in the rankings to the position of 133 that she currently occupies.

Watson will face world No. 156 Lucie Hradecka in the second round.

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