Watson outlasts Flipkens for Monterrey title

British number two Watson dropped the opening set but rallied to defeat Flipkens 3-6 6-2 6-3 for her third WTA Tour title on Sunday.

After stunning seeds Caroline Garcia and Caroline Wozniacki en route to the decider, Watson - who added the Monterrey crown to her Japan Open (2012) and Hobart International (2015) titles - fired down seven aces, broke on four occasions and fended off seven break points against the Belgian.

Flipkens staged a late fightback as Watson served for the match, earning two break-point opportunities, but the latter was not to be denied as she closed out proceedings in one hour, 57 minutes.

"It was really tough, I was so nervous coming into the match because I'd never beaten Kirsten before, she's a great player and really makes you work," Watson said.

"I thought she was pretty flawless in the first set and I was getting frustrated but I just had to stay calm and try my best, and didn't look past the next point."