Watson wins Washington opener

Heather Watson won her opening match in the Citi Open in Washington after she fought back from a set down to beat Alexandra Mueller.

The British number two came through in two hours and 10 minutes to claim a 6-7 (5/7) 6-4 6-3 victory.

The 21-year-old will face fourth seed Alize Cornet in the second round, after the Frenchwoman defeated Yanina Wickmayer 6-1 6-3.

Watson hit 14 aces on her way to victory.

Elsewhere, top-seeded wild card Angelique Kerber had few problems in knocking out qualifier Irina Falconi 6-2 6-3.

Fifth seed Sorana Cirstea advanced after Lesia Tsurenko retired while trailing 7-5, 1-1. There were also wins for Mona Barthel, Madison Keys, Monica Niculescu and Caroline Garcia.

Ekaterina Makarova defeated Eugenie Bouchard and Alison Riske saw off fellow American Vania King.