HEATHER WATSON can now brush up on her doubles practice after yesterday’s first round exit in Birmingham.

The 18-year-old put up a good fight against the world No, 78 from Russia, Alla Kudryavtseva, but after just over an hour-and-a-half on the Edgbaston centre court she bowed out of the AEGON Classic 6-4, 6-3 and $700 better off.

‘I’m gutted that I lost but I learned a lot,’ was her post-match response to losing out on the chance to double her winnings by reaching the next round.

‘I learned that you have to take your chances against these big players. You can’t let your opponent get back into the point and you can’t allow yourself to be pushed back in the court, especially on grass.’

Watson will also play at Junior Wimbledon with a realistic hope of a second junior Grand Slam title.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.