• Aegon International

Watson reaches semi-finals at Eastbourne

ESPN staff
June 19, 2014
Heather Watson is currently ranked 70th in the world © Getty Images
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Heather Watson has become the first Briton to reach the semi-finals at the Aegon International at Eastbourne for 32 years after her opponent Petra Kvitova was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury.

In reaching the last four at the traditional Wimbledon warm-up event, the 22-year-old emulates the feat of Jo Durie in 1982. Watson will play Madison Keys after she defeated fellow American Lauren Davis 6-2 6-1 in an hour and 10 minutes.

Watson, who is currently 70th in the WTA rankings, showed admirable resolve on Wednesday in defeating fourth seed Flavia Pennetta from a set down to advance to the latter stages of the tournament. Afterwards, she described it as "the biggest win of my career".

"I am just pleased to be in the semi-final now and look forward to tomorrow," Watson told the BBC. "I was shocked because this has never happened to me before. I wished her a full recovery for Wimbledon."

Former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki reached the semi-finals after coming from a set down to beat Camila Giorgi 6-7(7) 6-4 6-2. The Dane will take on Angelique Kerber in the last four following her 6-2 6-1 win over Ekaterina Makarova.

In the men's draw, Richard Gasquet beat Martin Klizan 6-3 6-4 and will face Denis Istomin after he overcame Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-6(5) 6-2.

Sam Querrey, the 2010 champion at Queen's, is also through to the semi-finals after edging out Julien Benneteau 7-6(5) 6-4. His opponent will either be third seed Feliciano Lopez or Jeremy Chardy, whose match was suspended on Thursday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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