Heather Watson’s wait for a win
at the US Open continues after she was beaten 6-1 6-1 by Sorana Cirstea in this
year’s first round.
Cirstea set the tone by racing through the first set in 26
minutes and then needed just 28 more to wrap up a simple victory.
Watson’s tame exit was especially disappointing as she entered
the tournament on a good run of form which has seen her climb back into the
world’s top 50, while out-of-sorts Cirstea has slipped to 80th in the rankings.
"Sorana played very well from the first point all the way
through. I just wasn't able to find my game because she didn't give me much
time," Watson told Sky Sports.
"It's another week, so I'll just look forward to the
doubles. It can't get much worse so it's only moving up from here."
Romania’s Cirstea, who once
reached as high as 21 in the world, began the match showing the form of old,
thumping aces and forehand winners to leave Watson reeling.
From 1-1 Watson lost six games in a row and, although she seemed
to get a foothold with a break of the Cirstea serve in the second game of the
second set, she was soon on the back foot again.
Watson had beaten Cirstea in each of their three previous
meetings, most recently in the Fed Cup earlier this year, and in 2012 in Miami
she won from 5-0 down in the deciding set.
But a comeback never looked on the cards this time around,
Cirstea easing further and further ahead before finishing things off with a big
forehand.
Watson served a total of eight double faults and made 23
unforced errors compared to just six winners. Her defeat means Andy Murray is
already the only British singles player left in either draw.
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