• US Open

Watson makes history in New York

Heather Watson becomes the first British girls' champion at the US Open © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Watson makes her mark on Tour debut
  
• Profile: Heather Watson

Heather Watson made history in New York as she became the first Briton to win the US Open girls' singles title.

Following in the footsteps of Andy Murray who won the boy's title in 2004, the British junior number one beat Russia's Yana Buchina in straight sets 6-4 6-1. She trailed 1-3 in the opening set before settling into the match to take four games in a row to take a 5-3 lead, before taking the opening set 6-4.

It could have been an all-British final, but Wimbledon girl's champion Laura Robson missed out on a final spot after losing in three sets to Buchina in the semi-final. And Watson believes the young talent coming through is promising for the future of women's tennis in Britain.

"She's [Robson] doing really well at a very young age," said Watson. "It would have been good to have an all-British final, but she had it tough yesterday. It's really good for British tennis, and we're starting to come through."

It was Watson's second tournament victory of the summer, after winning her first senior title in Frinton in July, and she was delighted with her progress in New York.

"Every match I've been getting better and better," she said. "I beat the Wimbledon junior champion and the runner up of Roland Garros in my quarters and semis, and I've just been playing better and better."

LTA womens' head coach Nigel Sears paid tribute to Watson's victory and was confident there would be many more titles for the Guernsey-born 17-year-old.

"Heather reminds me of Martina Hingis," said women's head coach Nigel Sears. "She is a well-balanced player who anticipates well, has great footwork and a great instinct for the game. She's a very complete, all-round player."

© ESPN EMEA LTD