Monday 28 May 2018 20:21, UK
British No 2 Heather Watson put on a calm and composed display to defeat Oceane Dodin of France 6-3 6-0 in the first round of the French Open on Monday.
Watson has endured a tough few months, losing eight consecutive matches which began with a semi-final loss in Hobart in January and extended until the first round in Nuremberg when finally getting a much-needed win under her belt against Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko last week.
Watson, who is in the main draw by right this year, unlike 12 months ago, required five match points to get the job done and reach the second round at Roland Garros for the sixth time.
The world No 86 looked nervous as she dropped her opening service game.
But Watson broke back for 2-2 and as Dodin's error count begin to creep up she went on to take the opening set.
Dodin's game then fell away completely to virtually gift Watson a free pass into the next round after 62 minutes.
"I started a little nervous," said Watson. "I was feeling really confident coming in, and loosened up. I played really, really well. It was tough to close it out. You could feel the rain coming up. Throwing the ball up to serve I kept getting water in my eyes.
"I was happy with my level throughout the whole match. Despite my season, I was feeling so confident coming into the match because I've done everything to prepare, to the best of my ability."
