Early exits for Heather Watson and Eugenie Bouchard in Charleston

Heather Watson suffered her seventh consecutive defeat as she lost in the first round of the Volvo Car Open while Eugenie Bouchard also crashed out.
World No 71 Watson has not won a match since she reached the semi-finals of the Hobart International in January, and the Brit’s miserable run continued on Tuesday as she went down 6-3, 6-4 to Taylor Townsend.
American Townsend will face Elena Vesnina next after the Russian overcame Madison Brengle 6-3, 2-6, 6-2.
Bouchard has also been on a dismal run and she went down 6-4 ,6-4 in an hour and 30 minutes to Sara Errani from Italy.
The Canadian failed to make the main draw in Miami and crashed out in the first round at Indian Wells and has plummeted to outside the world 100.
What a way to finish, @SaraErrani!
Defeats Bouchard 6-4, 6-4 #VolvoCarOpen pic.twitter.com/nPd5kMRiT7
— WTA (@WTA) April 3, 2018
Defending champion Daria Kasatkina had to fight for a win as she needed three sets to beat American Christina McHale.
The Russian prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in two hours and 16 minutes in the end.
Top seed Caroline Garcia didn’t have too many problems as she beat American Varvara Lepchenko 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and 16 minutes.
“It was a little bit better than what I did in Miami especially, and we had some good work behind us from Miami and here,” the world No 7 said.
Also through are Ashleigh Barty, who beat American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-2, and 13th seed Irina-Camelia Begu from Romania who overcame Spanish qualifier Georgina Garcia Perez 6-3, 6-4.
Latest
-
Australian Open
How Novak Djokovic will end the GOAT debate once and for all
With Djokovic now level with Nadal in 22 major wins, tennis legend John McEnroe has predicted how many more he will win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic proud of ‘special journey’ to 22nd Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas gave him his 10th title in Melbourne, a year after being deported.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina hits back over ‘fake news’ about her ‘passionate coach’ Stefano Vukov
“I want to clarify any misinterpretations,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has ‘at least three more Grand Slams’ in him – John McEnroe
How many more Grand Slam titles can Novak Djokovic win? John McEnroe expects plenty more from world No 1.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic breaks down after ‘biggest victory of his life’ at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s list for most Grand Slams.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Novak Djokovic as the ‘greatest that has ever held a tennis racket’
Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest ever following Australian Open final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Raw emotion from ‘superhuman’ Novak Djokovic after he returns to his perch in Australia
Novak Djokovic let it all out after winning the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
The King Returns: Novak Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open, returns to No 1, joins Rafael Nadal on 22 Slams
Novak Djokovic, who also becomes world number one, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.
-
Tennis News
Top 10 men’s title winners in the Open Era: Novak Djokovic moves ahead of Rafael Nadal and closer to 100th title
A 10th Australian Open title sees Novak Djokovic move ahead of Rafael Nadal.
-
Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka ready to battle at top of women’s game after Australian Open win
A terrific Australian Open final indicated Iga Swiatek will soon have company at the top in Aryna Sabalenka.