• Australian Open

Watson wins in Australia, Evans crashes out

ESPN staff
January 9, 2014
Heather Watson is recovering from a difficult 2013 campaign © Getty Images
Enlarge

Heather Watson made it through to the second round of qualifying for the Australian Open after a 6-4 6-3 victory over Arina Rodionova, but Dan Evans suffered a 6-4 6-1 defeat to Marton Fucsovics.

Hutchins back in business

Hutchins will ditch the suit of Queen's Club for the real action at the Australian Open © Getty Images
  • Tom Pilcher chats to British tennis star Ross Hutchins on beating cancer, returning to doubles action and best friend Andy Murray.
  • Click here to read the full story

Watson, who fell outside of the world's top 100 in the rankings after suffering from glandular fever in 2013, will now take on Stephanie Foretz Gacon in the second round of qualifying.

"I was very nervous. I feel like in the middle I loosened up but my energy really dropped at the end because I think all the nervous energy had worn me out," Watson said after the win.

"But I was able to close it out. I played quite well, I definitely can play better, and I think I'll play a lot freer in my next match. I don't know why I was so nervous, it's a while since I played in qualifying and I expect myself to do well and go far. I really like the tournament and play well on these courts so I think I'm putting too much pressure on myself."

There was no such joy for British No. 2 Evans, as he was beaten by Fucsovics. The loss is a disappointing one for Evans, who cruised in his first match 6-1 6-2 against Liang-Chi Huang.

Johanna Konta joined Watson in the second round of qualifying, as the Briton beat Grace Min 6-2 6-1.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices