British number one Heather Watson managed to beat Russia’s Evgeniya Rodina 3-6 6-1 7-5 in an exhausting match from the first round of the Miami Open. The weather was awfully hot and therefore, the 22 year-old from Guernsey usually benefits in these conditions as she has lived significant part of her teenage years in Florida, although not much can make the kind of steaming heat encountered on Wednesday much more comfortable.
In hot and humid conditions, the world number 41- Heather Watson made a slight set back as she went behind to the ranked 96 position, 26-year-old Russian player, who had won both her previous matches. Watson succeeded in coming back in the game and saw a 5-2 lead in the decider disappear before finally winning in two hours and 23 minutes.
In the next round she will face 13th seed Angelique Kerber from Germany.
Watson, who was defeated in three sets from Kerber at Wimbledon, last year, was 4-0 down within 15 minutes against Rodina, due to 20 unforced errors in the opening set.
However, she prevailed after demonstrating enviable determination in some energy-sapping rallies.
“I think both of us were feeling the same, it was just who could stick it out mentally and fight through the conditions,” she said.
Looking at the past, Rodina had beaten Britain number 1 in their previous two meeting, from 2010 on clay at Dothan, and 2011 in Memphis, and made a return to the tour last year following the birth of her daughter.
Speaking of her next opponent, Kerber – world number 15, Watson added: “We had a close match at Wimbledon, she’s a very consistent, tough competitor so I will definitely have to up my game and be more consistent.”
Earlier the world number 4 and Britain 1st – Andy Murray had found out his opponent in the second round of the men’s event to be played on Friday after receiving a bye. American Donald Young, who he beat recently in the Davis Cup, went through when his opponent Yen Hsun Lu defaulted with injury at 1-5 down.
Kyle Edmund – the British youngster is due to be playing in the first round against Dutchman Robin Haase.
Heather Watson vs. Rodina E., 25/03/2015, 16:05, Match Center
Miami Open: Heather Watson wins against Russia's Evgeniya Rodina
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