Heather Watson defeats Galina Voskoboeva in BNP Paribas Open

Heather Watson followed up winning the Monterrey Open on Sunday by beating Galina Voskoboeva in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Britain’s No2 overcame the Kazakh in three sets, prevailing 7-6, 4-6, 6-1 in front of her mother, Michelle.

Watson started strongly, taking a 2-0 lead in the first set. But her opponent fought back, leaving Watson to hold her serve and force a tie-break.

The tie-break followed a similar pattern, with Watson going 2-0 ahead only to be pegged back. She again held her nerve, though, to take the first set.

Next it was Voskoboeva’s turn to hold a 2-0 lead, and she turned that into a 6-4 win in the second set.

Watson responded in style, not only going 2-0 up in the deciding set but finding a fine passing shot to turn that into a three-game advantage. She soon wrapped up the match in just under two-and-a-half hours.

“When it was important I was able to bring out my best tennis,” Watson said. “Today I was a bit slow getting used to the court. It was a bit different [to the Monterrey Open].”