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Heather Watson secures third WTA title after winning Monterrey Open

Heather Watson of Great Britain celebrates a point in her match against Sofia Shapatava of Georgia at the Fed Cup in Eilat
Image: Heather Watson defeated Kirsten Flipkins in three sets in Monterrey

Heather Watson has won her third WTA Tour singles title after beating Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens 3-6 6-2 6-3 in the Monterrey Open final.

Watson lost the opening set, sealed by Flipkens' first ace, but broke twice in claiming the second set to force a decider.

There, the two players traded service breaks before Watson crucially earned another to lead 5-3, giving her the chance to serve out the match.

The British player trailed 15-40 but battled back to force match point, which she took with an un-returnable body serve.

Watson remains without a coach following her temporary link with Judy Murray but she brought on her mother Michelle as on-court coach when 5-2 down in the first set.

In the post-match presentation, the British No 2 said: "It's the first time my mum's seen me win a title and it's Mother's Day back in England, so Happy Mother's day mum!

"I thought Kirsten was pretty flawless in the first set and didn't give me anything. I was getting pretty frustrated but I just had to stay calm and try my best, and I didn't look past the next point.

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"I'm so glad to have been able to win a title here.

"I've loved playing every one of my matches and can't wait for next year, to be back here."

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