Wimbledon: Watson suffers first round defeat

EmailPrintOpen Extended Reactions Heather Watson is ranked sixth in Britain and has won 8 WTA titles. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

British No. 6-ranked Heather Watson was knocked out of Wimbledon on Monday, losing her first round match against Belgian opponent Greet Minnen in straight sets.

Watson, who was given a wildcard to play in her 14th Wimbledon, was no match for the world No. 80 as she was beaten 7-5, 6-4.

The match lasted an hour and 40 minutes in front of a capacity crowd at court 18. Watson rallied in the first set to recover from a slow start to the match but ultimately Minnen forced her way into a set lead.

The second set went the with serve until Watson double-faulted, bringing up match point for Minnen who made no mistake as she booked her place in the second round.

Wimbledon: Watson suffers first round defeat

Wimbledon: Watson suffers first round defeat

Wimbledon: Watson suffers first round defeat

Wimbledon: Watson suffers first round defeat

Wimbledon: Watson suffers first round defeat