Heather Watson beaten by Sloane Stephens in Eastbourne
Wednesday 24 June 2015 19:35, UK
Heather Watson's run at the Aegon International in Eastbourne came to an end with a 6-2 6-3 defeat against Sloane Stephens.
World No 43 Stephens oozed confidence as she reached her third quarter-final of the year, hitting 16 winners and four aces as her powerful two-handed backhand proved too much for the British No 1 at Devonshire Park.
Stephens, who lost her first four career matches against Watson, has now won their last two meetings.
"Heather is a very tough player to play," she told Eurosport. "We've known each other since when we were younger so I always knew it was going to be a tough battle so I had to come out and play my best. Today I struck with it and it paid off."
Stephens also paid tribute to her coach Nick Saviano, who has been with her since the age of 11, saying: "I just think having his loving, cheery personality with me on the road has really just helped me.
"He's a great person and a great coach - I'm lucky to have him."
