Heather is rova ‘n’ out

HEATHER WATSON lost in the first round for the eighth successive year, going down 6-1 3-6 6-3 to Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova.

The Briton won her first senior matches at Flushing Meadows to qualify, but was unable to follow up that success.

It was a tough draw against the experienced Makarova, who always plays her best in grand slams. Watson (right) had not won a set in round one here since 2013 and showed fighting spirit to recover from 1-3 to take it into a deciding set.

But Makarova halted her momentum and served out for victory.