WTA Japan Open: Former champion Heather Watson overcomes Jovana Jaksic in three sets

Heather Watson fended off Serbia's Jovana Jaksic in three sets to reach the second round of the Japan Open in Osaka.

Watson, who made history at the event two years ago by becoming the first Brit to win a WTA singles title since 1988, won through 3-6 6-4 6-2 at the Utsubo Tennis Center.

The British No 1, who is currently ranked 74 places higher than her opponent, recovered after losing the opening set to reach the second round for the first time in five tournaments.

Watson will play teenager Yulia Putintseva for a place in the quarter-finals after she beat local hopeful Risa Ozaki 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

There was better news for Ozaki's compatriots Eri Hozumi and Naomi Osaka, however. The former won her encounter with American Bethanie Mattek-Sands 7-6 (7/4) 3-6 6-1 while Osaka beat Erika Sema 6-1 4-6 6-0.

Keys on top

Also on Monday, second seed Madison Keys came out on top against her fellow American Sachia Vickery in straight sets, 6-3 6-3.

Third seed Elina Svitolina from Ukraine survived three sets against Shelby Rogers to triumph 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 6-1, but Rogers' compatriot Christina Mchale, the seventh seed, was dumped out by Thai player Luksika Kumkhum 4-6 6-1 6-3.

Kumkhum won singles silver and doubles gold at the Olympic-style event in South Korea and she was battled-hardened as she came from behind to oust the American.

Two-time champion Samantha Stosur, who won in 2009 and 2013, is the top seed and she will open her title defence against Japan's Misa Eguchi.