Watson defeats Flipkens for Monterrey title

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By Niall Clarke

  • Heather Watson defeats Kirsten Flipkens in three sets to claim the Monterrey title.
  • The Brit rallied form a set down to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
  • It is her third career title

MONTERREY, MEXICO- Britain’s Heather Watson battled from a set down to defeat Kirsten Flipkens and claim the Abierto Monterrey Afirme title.

The 23 year old capped off a great week for British tennis by defeating the Belgian 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in just under two hours to capture her third career title.

The win will also see the British number two climb to 53rd in the new WTA rankings and puts her in good stead heading into Indian Wells where she is entered as a wildcard.

“It was really tough,” said Watson in her post match interview.

“I was so nervous coming into the match because I’d never beaten Kirsten before. She’s a great player and really makes you work.

“I thought she was pretty flawless in the first set and I was getting frustrated, but I just had to stay calm and try my best.”

Watson had been in good form all week, and following her victory over former world number one, Caroline Wozniacki in the last eight, and the injury hampered Caroline Garcia in the semi finals, she was the favourite to take home the title.

However her Belgian opponent came out firing and took the first set 6-3. Never one to quit, the Brit found some of the tennis that got her to the final in the first place and was able to level the match at one set all.

With the momentum behind her, Watson raced to a 3-0 lead in the final set but Flipkens fought back to level the score 3-3. The Brit however re-found her composure and successfully served out the match despite facing two break back points.

With her victory here, the 23 year old added to her tournament wins at the Japan Open in 2012, and the Hobart International last year.

The success of Watson added to the triumph of the British Davis Cup team who defeated Japan 3-1 over the weekend, and the rise of Naomi Broady to 76 in the world after reaching the semi finals of the Malaysian Open.

Will more success follow in Indian Wells? Follow the action with Britwatch Sports from the 9th of March.

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