Britain's Heather Watson suffers early Miami Open exit

Katie Boulter, Cameron Norrie and Liam Broady all secure spots in the main draw

By Sky Sports Tennis

Image: Heather Watson suffered a disappointing defeat at Crandon Park

British No 2 Heather Watson suffered a first-round exit at the Miami Open by Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Watson, ranked 72 in the world, went down 7-6 6-2 in one hour and 36 minutes to the world No 64.

Watson had edged 5-4 ahead in a tight first set but was unable to retain that advantage as Haddad Maia hit straight back and then won a tie-break.

She then broke early in the second set and Watson could not recover.

British No 1 Johanna Konta, the defending champion, was not in action having been awarded a bye into the second round. She will face Kirsten Flipkens in the first match after the Belgian triumphed 6-2 6-3 against Mihaela Buzarnescu after an hour and 18 minutes on court.

Advertisement
Image: Cameron Norrie joined Liam Broady and Katie Boulter in the main draw

Katie Boulter claimed a place in the main draw by coming from behind to beat Carol Zhao of Canada 3-6 7-6 6-2 in her final qualifier.

Cameron Norrie and Liam Broady also secured spots in the first round of the men's event.

Also See:

Norrie beat American Patrick Kypson 6-7 6-3 6-1 while Broady saw off Canada's Filip Peliwo 6-4 7-6 (7-2).

You can watch more ATP Masters 1000 action from the Miami Open when we return on Sky Sports Arena next Wednesday at 3pm.

Keep up to date with the latest on sky.mnosports.com/tennis with news, previews, live blogs, reports and expert analysis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.

Tennis updates straight to your phone

How to receive all the latest tennis news straight to your mobile

Outbrain