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Watson's run ends in the quarter-finals

Heather Watson's quest for a first semi-final appearance at a WTA Tour event continues after she lost to Evgeniya Rodina. © Getty Images

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British youngster Heather Watson found the quarter-finals of the Memphis Open a step too far as she went down in straight sets to Evgeniya Rodina.

Watson, who reached her first WTA quarter-final in Auckland last month, showed tremendous battling qualities but ultimately fell short, losing 6-3 6-4 in an hour and 40 minutes.

Despite boasting a first-serve percentage of 69, Watson failed to dominate, and was punished for a poor return game. The first set was a turbulent affair with both players combining great shot-making ability with a host of unforced errors.

Watson had her chances but failed to take them, converting only one of three break points. Rodina, on the other hand, was far more ruthless when opportunities presented themselves and she wrapped up the first set with relative ease.

The Russian, ranked No. 89 in the world, broke early in the second set as the match looked to be slipping away from the Briton. Credit to Watson, however, as the 18-year-old refused to lie down and broke back immediately. Unfortunately, she couldn't maintain her efforts, Rodina hitting back immediately to regain the initiative.

Serving for the match at 5-3, Rodina suffered an attack of nerves and squandered a match point. Watson dug in and forced a break to keep the match alive but, true to form, her lack of consistency on serve proved to be her undoing as Rodina booked her place in the last four.

Sixth seed Rebecca Marino knocked out Coco Vandeweghe 6-1 7-6(6). After breezing through the first set with two breaks of serve, Marino showed lapses in concentration and Vandeweghe took full advantage to force a tiebreak. Marino raised her level, however, to secure her place in the next round. Lucie Hradecka was not at her best but still had too much for Ksenia Pervak, prevailing 6-4 6-3.

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