• Australian Open

Watson progresses in qualifying, Konta sent packing

ESPN staff
January 10, 2014
Heather Watson is one win away from reaching the main draw of the Australian Open © AP
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There were mixed fortunes for British women in qualifying for the Australian Open, with Heather Watson progressing to the final round but Johanna Konta losing in straight sets.

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Watson is now just one win away from reaching the main draw of the Australian Open, and the British No. 2 made it through to the third and final round after her opponent Stephanie Foretz Gacon retired when trailing 6-0 2-0. Watson is now due to face Irina Falconi on Saturday.

"I was still very nervous but I controlled it a lot better," Watson said after the win. "I knew what I wanted to do in the match. I've played Stephanie a lot of times and they've been long, tough matches.

"I knew it was going to be difficult so I focused more on me and what I wanted to do on the court, and ended up playing really, really well. I was very happy with my serve, my returns, groundstrokes, just everything.

Watson admitted to nerves in her opening qualifying match, and on her latest win she added: "That's how I want to play. I came in with a different approach. It was nice to get through the first match but now I'm feeling better I want to hit the shots that I've been practicing."

British No. 3 Konta failed to join Watson in the final qualifying round after she suffered a 6-1 6-2 loss to Olga Savchuk.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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