Olympics tennis: Heather Watson & Laura Robson through

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Media caption,

Robson

Britain's Heather Watson and Laura Robson marked their Olympic singles debuts with straight-sets victories to reach the second round at Wimbledon.

Watson, 20, outclassed Spain's Silvia Soler Espinosa 6-2 6-2 and faces Maria Kirilenko of Russia on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Robson will meet Russia's Maria Sharapova after beating Czech Lucie Safarova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.

British number four Elena Baltacha was beaten 6-4 7-6 (7-5) by former world number one Ana Ivanovic in round two.

It was further disappointment for Baltacha as she and doubles partner Anne Keothavong lost 6-6 6-1 to Germany's Julia Goerges and Anna-Lena Gronefeld.

But this could be the end of Baltacha's singles career having said she will have ankle surgery after the Olympics and may not return.

"There were a few tears," said the Scot. "It was a big occasion and I have worked really hard to earn my spot here.

"I need to have the surgery otherwise I can't carry on with the foot the way that it is. I'm going to do the rehab and see how it goes.

"If I'm ready to come back in February then I will, but if I feel I'm enjoying life at home then, yes, I will retire."

Media caption,

Baltacha loses in straight sets

Watson, however, continues to live up to her new status as British number one and world number 67.

"I'm very pleased with that win, I knew it wasn't going to be easy," said the Guernsey right-hander, who lost in the doubles with Robson.

"I've never played her before but I knew she is a great player and wasn't going to give me any free points. I played well today."

Of her meeting with Wimbledon quarter-finalist Kirilenko, Watson added: "She's been a top player for a long time.

"I know she hits the ball hard. Typical Russian girl, tries to overpower and blast the ball. So I'm just going to play my game."

Robson lost to third seed Sharapova in the second round of Wimbledon in 2011 but feels better equipped this time round.

"I'm moving better now than I was last year," she said. "My serve is a lot faster when it goes in, which hopefully will be quite often tomorrow.

"I've worked really hard on improving everything, and I think I've done that. But she's playing some of the best tennis of her life.

"I've got nothing to lose going into it, so all I can do is fight as hard as I can and try and play as well as I can."

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