Heather Watson advances to second round in Osaka

Heather Watson hits a return during her defeat by Maria Sharapova (Getty Images)

Heather Watson made an encouraging start to the HP Open in Osaka with a 6-4 6-4 first-round win over Slovenia's Polona Hercog.

The British number two, at 71st in the world 10 places higher in the rankings than Hercog, carved out 10 break points, taking three, as she thrived on her opponent's serve.

The 20-year-old took the opening set thanks to a single break of serve and broke twice in the second to close out victory in one hour 29 minutes.

PA