Heather Watson scores first round win in ASB Classic in Auckland

Heather Watson made a winning start to 2013 with victory in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

The 20-year-old, who played her part in the success story that was 2012 by becoming the first Briton to win a WTA singles title since 1998, progressed after beating fifth seed Sorana Cirstea.

However, it wasn’t quite the workout she was looking for after the 22-year-old Romanian was forced to retire through illness.

Cirstea had been suffering from a virus in the lead up to the tournament and although there were no visible signs of her struggling during the match, she withdrew after receiving legthy medical assistance once she’d dropped the first set 6-3.

“It was unfortunate today for Sorana, she told me she’s had a virus for the past week, which sucks, coming all of this way and not feeling well,” Watson said.

“But I was really excited to get out there today and play my first singles match.

“I thought that I served very well, around the baseline I was a bit slow and wasn’t able to keep too many balls in play, but I’m looking forward to my next match now.”

The British number one will face Kiki Bertens of Holland in round two.

“I haven’t played Kiki in a while, she had a really good first round win, so she’ll be playing well and I’ll be expecting a tough one,” Watson said.