Watson ends four year title drought with victory in Acapulco

Great Britain's Heather Watson required ten championship points to finally prevail in a marathon final at the 2020 Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco.

The seventh seed overcame a second set comeback by Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez to notch her fourth career WTA title, claiming the match 6-4 6-7(8) 6-1 in two hours and 49 minutes.

Watson raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set, and was in complete control as she served for it at 5-2. However, Fernandez broke back in the following service game, forcing the Brit to serve for the set a second time. At 5-4, Watson was able to put together a solid service game, claiming the first set in 45 minutes.

After an early exchange of breaks in the second set, both ladies remained even and a tiebreak ensued. Some aggressive play from the Brit saw her with four championship points at 6-2. However, Fernandez held her nerve and produced some errors from the Brit, saving all four match points in the process. She went on to save one more match point at 7-8, before an errant forehand from Watson handed her the set.

The missed opportunities only seemed to spur Watson on, as she immediately broke her opponent to begin the deciding set. The World No.69 was relentless in her attacking style of play, and soon found herself with a 5-1 lead. Although Fernandez did manage to save four more championship points, a final forehand winner was enough to give Watson the title.

The Brit last lifted a trophy in Monterrey in 2016, and has had a career plagued by injuries. With this victory, Watson improved to 3-0 against Fernandez. Furthermore, she is projected to enter the Top 50 in rankings when they are released next week.

Fernandez has had an incredible week, reaching her first WTA final without losing a set. Additionally, she defeated World No.4 Belinda Bencic during the Fed Cup qualifiers early this month. The 17-year old is definitely one to watch for in the future.

Click here for the prize money break down for the WTA Abierto Mexicano Acapulco 2020.

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