GB close in on victory in play-off

Great Britain are in control of their Billie Jean King Cup play-off against Mexico after victories for Katie Boulter and Heather Watson on the opening day in London.

At the National Tennis Centre, Boulter, pictured, marked her return to the competition with a 7-5 6-0 victory over Marcela Zacarias before Watson saw off Giuliana Olmos 7-5 6-1.

One more victory in today’s reverse singles, or the deciding doubles should the tie go that far, would see Britain earn another shot at qualifying for the elite finals in 2022.

Both teams were missing their leading player, with Johanna Konta choosing to practise outdoors on clay to give her troublesome knee time to adapt to the surface, while Renata Zarazua also cited knee issues in her decision to skip the tie.