Watson exits Wimbledon after Tauson loss

Wimbledon 2025

Dates: 30 June-13 July Venue: All England Club

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Heather Watson's Wimbledon hopes were ended in the opening round as the former British number one was beaten by 23rd seed Clara Tauson.

Watson had made a strong start by taking the opening set but Denmark's Tauson showed her quality to battle back and win 2-6 6-4 6-3.

Seven Brits progressed on Monday - the most in a single day in the Open era - and more could follow on Tuesday, although the second day started disappointingly with Watson and wildcard Johannus Monday going out.

Monday was beaten 6-4 6-4 6-2 by American 13th seed Tommy Paul.

Watson, who reached the fourth round just three years ago, got off to a bad start when she was broken in just the third game.

But that sparked a fine spell for the former British number two as she won five games in a row on her way to taking the first set.

Tauson initially looked to have no answer for her opponent but she regrouped and came out stronger in the second set, securing another early break and this time making it stick, although she was helped by Watson struggling with her second serve.

With conditions once again sweltering at Wimbledon, Watson started to lose the accuracy of some of her shots in the decisive third set and was broken at 3-3.

Tauson then closed out the remainder of the match to seal her place in the second round.

It is the first time Tauson has reached the second round of Wimbledon, while Watson exits in round one for the third year in a row.