Heather Watson reflects on tough Nottingham Open exit and rankings slide

Heather Watson faced a tough spell after being eliminated at the Nottingham Open. The Briton fell to former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova 4-6, 4-6, starting her grass-swing in the worst possible manner following a crucial points-defense failure.

The 32-year-old tennis player was defending semifinalist points from last year's Nottingham Open (where she lost to Katie Boulter), and her early exit will cost her nearly 100 points, dropping her 39 places to world No. 197, her lowest ranking since 2010.

The former British No. 1 is known for elevating her game on grass each season. Watson received a wildcard from the organization and made her debut on Monday in Nottingham with a comeback against Kayla Day (No. 130) winning 5-6, 6-0, 6-4. However, she was unable to advance past Pliskova in the second round.

"I don't think I served particularly well today, and I really needed to against a player like her," she said. "I gave my best with what I had on the day, it's a shame I couldn't get through that as I felt like my tennis was getting better with every match I played.

"She is such a tough opponent and there are so many great players in this draw, it's not easy and it is just about who is better on the day,” Watson added.

Nottingham was the only grass-court tournament on Watson's schedule before she plays the Wimbledon qualifiers starting on June 24. The Briton regretted not having the chance to advance further in the tournament: "The more matches the better. It's a shame I couldn't get through it but at least I have doubles and more match practice on grass because that's what I need right now."

The 32-year-old also entered the doubles main draw alongside Japan's Ena Shibahara and they advanced to the quarterfinals after beating British duo Sarah Beth Grey and Tara Moore, although her focus is on her singles performances. "Singles is always my priority, doubles is a bonus," Watson said. "Over the last 12 months I've focused a lot on trying to get to the Olympics, but singles has been and always will be my priority."