Australian Open: British trio out

1. James Ward loses to 31st seed Verdasco
2. Ill Heather Watson beaten in first round
3. Pironkova 6-4 6-0 Watson
4. GB's Edmund loses 4-6 4-6 3-6 to American Steve Johnson

And then there was one. Andy Murray is the sole British representative left in the Australian Open singles' draws - thankfully he is used to that sort of burden. Rejoin us in the early hours of Wednesday to find out if he can push past Australia's Marinko Matosevic and reach the third round. Bonza.

Game, set and match - Ward out

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Ward has a point to take the game and force Verdasco to serve it out but the Spaniard reels off three points in a row to avoid that pressure, and obligingly pats his strings in applause to the crowd as he waits to shake hands. The crowd shuffle off quickly in search of drama elsewhere and Ward is left to pack away his natty clothing and racquets. Britain 0-3 Rest of the World."

Another break point for Ward, another service winner from Verdasco. The Spaniard is showing the class of a seeded player at the moment and the time is running out for British hopes on day two.

Being ill sucks - Watson

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British number one Heather Watson probably just wants to flake out on the sofa after her first-round exit. The 22-year-old struggled physically and called for the doctor during her 6-3 6-0 defeat by Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova.

But first she has met the media in a post-match news conference. "Yesterday I woke up not feeling that great, just kind of bloated and weak and not that good, and I feel like that today," she says.

"I just struggled on the court to have energy. Against any player it's tough enough when you're fit, let alone when you're not. It's a real shame and it sucks."

Fernando Verdasco, the number 31 seed, is edging to joining Wawrinka in the next round. British number two James Ward holds comfortably enough and then has Verdasco under pressure at 30-30, but the Spaniard again serves his way out of trouble. It's becoming a habit.

Glad to be back - Wawrinka

Earlier (see 03:38), we told about defending champion Stan Wawrinka's safe passage into the slightly choppier waters of round two. Here's what he said afterwards:

"It was great to be back on Rod Laver Arena again, it brings back so many memories from last year," says the Swiss, who won his first Slam at the same venue 12 months ago,

"It was such an amazing two weeks last year so it was great to come back here and I am pleased with my game in general and I'm excited to start again.

Verdasco throws in a double fault but he's already 40-0 up and the Spaniard finishes the job with a forehand into the corner, which opens up the court for another into the opposite side. Textbook Verdasco.

Is there any way back for Ward? Not if he continues to trade holds with the Spaniard.

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Oh dear. It's understandable after losing a set in which he led by a break and had a set point, but a forlorn looking Ward thumps a forehand long to give Verdasco the break at the start of the fourth.

Ward loses third set

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"As tense and as tight as a Grand Slam match can be, Ward gets another break to move 5-4 up. Two serves for the set… but he nets a poor forehand for 5-5. An epic, epic rally follows with Verdasco hammering away at the forehand and Ward scrabbling to stay alive until the court opens up and he smacks a backhand winner.

"Set point for the Briton…. big serve from Verdasco. And then an ace! Set point for Verdasco now… and a big forehand proves too much for Ward to handle. That one got away from the British number two."

Ward loses third set

James Ward will be crossing his fingers that this match goes to five sets, because if doesn't then he's on the next plane back to Blighty....

Ward makes a terrific start, breaking on the first point and then making it 3-0 with a couple of heavy serves. A half-chance goes begging, however, when he frames a backhand as Verdasco cuts the deficit to 3-2 and then levels with a big forehand for 3-3.

Tension mounts on court seven as James Ward and opponent Fernando Verdasco prepare to start their third-set tie-break. The clock ticks past the 60-minute mark for this set - and we could be here for a long while yet if this goes all the way...

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The pressure is once again on James Ward. The British number two serves to force the tie-break but he comes through impressively with a hold to 15, firing a forehand down the line on game point. Fair to say this tie-break will be pretty crucial....

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Yikes. Ward drags an agricultural forehand into the tramlines to fall 0-30 behind and Verdasco sweeps into the net to angle away a backhand volley for 15-40. Ward fires long on the second break point and we're all square."

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Djokovic rips the plastic wrapping off his new racquet with the excitement of a kid about to find out they've been given a new games console for Christmas.

The Serb knocks up with his first-round opponent, who is Slovenian qualifier Aljaz Bedene. His Aussie Open record? Played two, lost two. I don't fancy his chances of ending that unwanted 100% record against the four-time champ.

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Here's one of the least surprising pieces of Australian Open news tonight. World number four Stan Wawrinka begins his men's singles title defence with a comprehensive 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over Turkey's Marsel Ilhan in the Rod Laver Arena.

There's no way the Swiss wants to shift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup off his mantelpiece. Next up on the show court? A chap called Novak Djokovic.

Ward arrows a serve down the 'T' to maintain his two-game advantage and then sets about attacking the Verdasco serve. A swinging backhand winner takes the Briton to 0-30, but Verdasco hits back with a thumping forehand down the line on his way to the game.

Edmund pleased with progress

AP

Great Britain's Kyle Edmund has just faced the press following his straight-sets defeat by world number 38 Steve Johnson.

"I really struggled to get on his serve today, especially towards the end of the second and the third sets," said the 20-year-old Yorkshireman.

"There wasn't a lot of rhythm due to the fact that he was serving really well. It's just something I have to take away and work on and use as a stepping stone to get better.

"To qualify, win three matches and play my first round is a good experience. Looking back on it, it's still been a good week."

Spain's Verdasco mops his relieved brow as he wriggles out of another tight spot in the fifth. Ward pins him back, probing for a chink in his armour, with the possibility of a second break looming large over the Spaniard. However, he survives and keeps Ward within one.

Verdasco's serve cannot be broken in the third game, then he he has an opportunity to break back. But the Spaniard blows his chance, as Ward scampers back to maintain his two-game lead.

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AP

Over in the Rod Laver Arena, defending champion Stan Wawrinka is cruising towards his intended destination - round two. The Swiss star is leading 6-1 6-4 4-1 against Marsel Ilhan of Turkey.

So far it appears to be 'First Set James Ward' on court seven. The British number two holds off the snappy Spaniard to hold his first service game of the third set.

So which James Ward are we going to see in the third set? First-set James Ward or second-set James Ward?

Whichever one it is, they have opted for a change of shirt - a floral number provided by his new kit sponsor, a name previously more familiar with high street shoppers than athletes. And the British Davis and Fed Cup teams.

Verdasco saves a break point with an ace but then loses a lengthy rally and has a bit of a chip at the umpire about spectators talking during the point. The Spaniard then dumps a forehand in the net, and the sizeable British contingent in the crowd perk up considerably.

Dominic Inglot

British doubles player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was a terrible set for James Ward, let's be honest. But it is one set all. He's not behind, he's even.

"He can take a time out, go to the toilet, have time to think, maybe knock your opponent out of his stride a bit. He's got to start again."

Ward loses second set

Verdasco can't wait to get this set wrapped up. Ward can't wait for it to be over. Then, as soon as the Spaniard does that, Ward takes a time out and legs it to the gents. Spoiling tactics rather than a bursting bladder, one would suggest.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"In a complete reversal of the first set, Verdasco gets the double-break as his booming forehand has Ward examine the outer limits of court seven. The Londoner spent part of his off-season at Andy Murray's infamously gruelling training camp in Florida and he might need everything that put in his legs if this goes long. Another of those cross-court backhands gives him a bit of hope in game five but Verdasco slams the door shut."

Block it out, James, block it out. After looking like a top 10 player in the first set, Ward is scampering around like a man outside the top 200 in the second. So that is probably why he averages out at around the 100 mark. Verdasco is easing through the gears, becoming more aggressive as this set draws to a conclusion.

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* Upset alert *

Italy's Fabio Fognini is the third top-20 player in the men's singles to be looking at flights home. The number 16 seed is beaten in four sets - 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 - by Alejandro Gonzalez of Colombia.

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Aaron Nicholson: This was worth staying up for. Please James keep it up, otherwise my sleep deprivation is for nothing.

Dominic Inglot

British doubles player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Verdasco is starting to hit that forehand much better now. He held his serve and is back in the lead - that first set doesn't really matter any more. Momentum is in his favour - even though he is a set down."

Failure to take those breaks in the previous game must have just lingered on the mind of Ward. The British number two can't find his rhythm in the second and loses his serve to put the Spaniard, who cracks the winner with a fizzing backhand, in command. Momentum shift perhaps?

Verdasco grabs himself by the scruff of the neck and lifts himself off the hook. Ward pins him back on the ropes, earning three break points but the Briton can't convert any of them. Huge sigh of relief from the Spaniard.

Fernando Verdasco can be a combustible character - and he looks ready to explode. The Spaniard angrily mutters something as he returns to the baseline for the start of the second set. His turn to serve.

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"I'm certain that isn't James Ward out there. James Ward is a good player but this bloke out there is playing like a top 10 player. This is the best tennis I have seen him play."

Ward wins first set

Sensational scenes. James Ward could be forgiven for strutting off Court 7 with a swagger and cheeky grin. The British number two takes the opening set in 37 minutes against former semi-finalist Fernando Verdasco.

Ward pulls a beauty deep into the corner on set point and Verdasco can only send his response long. But he knows there is still plenty of work ahead if he is to join hitting partner Andy Murray in the next round. Experienced Spaniard Verdasco looks shell-shocked.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Enormous name-drop alert but…. Andy Murray told me last year that Ward's cross-court backhand is "world class" and it certainly looks that way when he absolutely leathers one for a clean winner at 5-1 up. Verdasco is not a happy man but keeps himself in the set with an ace."

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"This is the best tennis I have seen James Ward play!"

Easy stuff this Grand Slam lark, isn't it? James Ward holds serve to go 4-0 ahead. Fernando Verdasco doesn't know what day it is at the moment.

Game, set and match - Edmund out

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That's it for Great Britain's Kyle Edmund, his Australian Open is over for this year as he goes down in regulation fashion to world number 38 Steve Johnson. The American finishes with 49 winners to Edmund's 22 and better stats across the board. It's a useful marker for where Edmund must go to continue his rise up the rankings, and three qualifying wins is not too shabby for a 20-year-old these days.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Verdasco has not exactly been tearing up the tour in recent times but even so, it's a very loose start from the man who once extended Rafael Nadal to a five-hour semi-final in Melbourne. He opens the door for Ward and the British number two snaffles the chance to get the double break."

Well, well, well. Turns out James Ward is hell-bent on proving some British cheer. The world number 103, who made the cut because of a number of withdrawals, races ahead against Verdasco with a double break.

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A quick look away from the British players' travails and two-time champion Victoria Azarenka has won the most anticipated match of the first round, beating Sloane Stephens for the third year running, this time 6-3 6-2. Those two have plenty of previous.

Meanwhile, reigning champion Stan Wawrinka has just set foot on Rod Laver Arena for the first time since last year's surprise win as he takes on Turkey's Marsel Ilhan.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Some good news! James Ward makes a flying start on a windy court seven with a break of serve in the first game and then fends off a break point to consolidate the break."

If James Ward was feeling any pressure after Heather Watson's demise and Kyle Edmund's expected exit, he isn't showing it. The British number two, who is 103 in the world, breaks Spain's Fernando Verdasco in the first game. The first game! Cracking start on Court 7.

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Aidan Williams: I do hope this doesn't deflate Watson much. 38th in the world means you're doing something right! Just a tough setback.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"OK, it is not exactly going well for the Britons so far. After Watson makes a swift exit, Johnson quickly moves a break up in the third set. Meanwhile, James Ward is knocking up on court seven with 31st seed Fernando Verdasco. No pressure, James…"

Watson out

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

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"Heather Watson puts a towel over her shoulder and trudges off court. Of the three British players playing today, one is out."

Game, set and match - Watson out

An afternoon from hell is all over for Heather Watson. The British number one struggled with illness through her first-round showdown with Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova and is finally put out of her misery.

Heather Watson cuts a forlorn figure out there, despite showing glimmers of energy. Pironkova nails a triple break and moves within touching distance of the match.

Edmund loses second set

No dream comeback for Kyle Edmund in the second. No problem for Johnson, who's serves out the second set to love and is on course for a straightforward win. Edmund's issues remain the same - not enough first serves or meaningful returns.

The second set follows a similar pattern to the first, with little between the two men but Steve Johnson more ruthless when the chance appears, converting the only break point of the second set and the holding to love. A two-set lead is within sight for the American.

But there is some heart to take for Kyle Edmund in the next. The young Yorkshireman serves out to love, leaving Johnson having to toss up for the second set.

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Sam Barker: This is hard to watch. Hev normally a beacon of positivity but clearly in pain in a match she had every chance in.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Watson squats behind the baseline in some distress after seeing three break points slip by at 0-40, and the British number one is looking more and more unwell as the match progresses. Thoughts of a retirement might occur to some, but Watson batters two brilliant backhand winners in the next game and urges herself - and the crowd - on. Pironkova still gets the break, however, and this one could be over as a real contest."

AP

Double break for Tsvetana Pironkova as Heather Watson edges closer to a first-round defeat. The British number one, who is struggling with illness, shows remarkable fight to save two break points. Can she stop a third? No. Pironkova can almost see the safety of round two.

Great Britain's Kyle Edmund is nothing if not calm. He came back from a set down in his previous two qualifying matches and he remains apparently unruffled here. One beautiful lob takes him close to that elusive break in game two and he then hits his way confidently out of danger from deuce in game three.

This is a sad sight. We know Heather Watson is a fighter, one of her great strengths, and she will not give up easily. But Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova snatches a break in the first game of the second set. That won't cheer Watson up.

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"Watson is barely moving out there. What a shame this is. She has done so well to get to a career high ranking, then she gets to the first round of the first Slam of the year and it appears she is not feeling well.

"She looks really heavy legged and is almost using the racquet as a walking stick. I'm not sure she will be able to finish this match."

Thankfully Watson is back to her feet again as the second set kicks off. Let's hope the variety of gels, powders, potions and lotions (all legal of course) that she was given by her medical staff earlier start kicking in soon.

Watson loses first set

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Pironkova just about gets over the line to take the first set although Watson was threatening a comeback until she sent a backhand sailing long. The Briton's serve remains the issue today, especially the second serve which she is struggling to defend."

Watson loses first set

No dramatic first-set comeback from Heather Watson. The British number one punches the strings of her racquet, then slumps to the court, hunched forward on her elbows and knees. She looks like she could be about to barf as that illness returns.

"Let's go Watson, let's go!" That's the chant from the British contingent on court 10 as their darling holds for a second straight game. But she needs a third. Pironkova serves for the first set...

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Jonny Hyman: Edmund looking good from baseline but less than 50% returns in play. Less free points on the Johnson serve and he's got a chance.

Would you believe it? Heather Watson has only gone and nicked back that break! The Briton shrugs off that medical concern (see 00:57) to save the first set. Another hold from Watson would heap the pressure back on to the Bulgarian...

Edmund loses first set

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"It's a long game of four deuces but Johnson sees out the set despite one woeful smash that leaves him 15-30 down. The American faces his first break point but hammers a big serve down the middle and closes out the game. Edmund is suffering for a 47% first-serve percentage and making just 50% of returns. Anything near his best and the Briton would be right in this."

BBC Guernsey's Tony Curr: Watson down 5-2 but she won't panic. She's dropped the first set in all five previous matches with Pironkova, going on to win three of them.

Good news - Heather Watson is back on her feet. She shakes her head, takes a deep breath and refocuses on keeping this first set alive.

But she does look a bit groggy. A bit like me after eight pints of lager.

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"Something is not right with Heather Watson. Watson open her eyes wide as though she is not seeing too well. She might be feeling unwell. She might be a little short of energy - it is hard to know at the moment.

"There is a lot of people stood around - the umpire, the doctor, the trainer. Let's hope she is alright."

Oh dear, things are going from bad to worse for Heather Watson. The British number one calls a member of the WTA's medical staff on to court before she takes a huge intake of smelling salts.

Heather Watson fans - look away now. It's a wayward Watson out on court 10 at the moment, her much-improved forehand bringing her one big winner down the line but then flying over the baseline when facing break point.

That's a double break for Bulgaria's Pironkova, who is coasting towards taking the opening set.

A huge sigh of frustration blasts out of Heather Watson's mouth. The Briton lets her Bulgarian opponent Tsvetana Pironkova take control of this first set again, losing a second break in the fifth.

Pironkova, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist remember, shows her pedigree again by comfortably holding serve to move two clear.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Kyle Edmund lets a lead slip in his third service game and the experienced Steve Johnson converts his second break point with a barrage of slices tempting the Briton into a mistake. Edmund is drawn unenthusiastically into the net and dumps a forehand in the net. The American then holds from 30-30 and is in command."

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Andrew Priestley: Heather Watson needs a strong performance at a Grand Slam tournament to prove to herself that she is a top-class, top-20 player.

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"This is close, competitive, probably what we expected. I was trying to work out before the game who was the favourite.

"Watson is the higher ranked but Pironkova has done more in the game. I think it is really even - I can't pick a winner."

Not only did Pironkova blow a game opportunity, she is also close to blowing a fuse on Court 10. The stroppy Bulgarian is gesticulating here, there and everywhere as she comes to terms with letting Watson back into this first set.

That's a healthier-looking scoreline isn't it? Heather Watson did not look unduly ruffled by that early break from the Bulgarian, keeping her composure to make her first dent on the scoreboard.

Pironkova blows a chance to go 3-0 ahead which lets Watson through the back door quicker than a sneak thief, before the Briton emerges with a valuable break in the next.

David Law

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"I'm impressed by that start by Kyle Edmund. He has started well against a strong player and a player who knows his way around the court. It is a great opportunity for Edmund to show what he can do - there won't be an inquest if he loses."

Steve Johnson lifts a beautiful lob over Great Britain's Kyle Edmund to set up break point but the American nets a backhand and Edmund hangs on.

Heather Watson almost sticks it to those Bulgarian dissenters as she fights back to force deuce. But an opportunity to snatch an instant break back is swept away in the Melbourne wind, and her opponent grasps her reprieve with both hands to hold.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Court 10 is buzzing already, with every available space taken and a good number of the spectators on court seven peering over the stands. There is a group of vociferous Bulgaria fans decked out in scarves (bit unnecessary) in the first row and they cheer as Watson double faults to lose the first game (also a bit unnecessary)."

Not so encouraging news from Court 10. British number one Heather Watson surrenders her serve in the opening game, then is left staring at a 40-0 deficit in the second....

Any nerves that Kyle Edmund might have on his Slam debut disappear quickly. He needs little over a minute to hold his serve against the American.

BBC coverage

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

As well as following Watson and Edmund's progress through these words, you can also listen to BBC Radio 5 live sport extra's live audio commentary. What do you mean you've haven't got a radio? You don't need one! Click on the 'Live coverage' tab on this very page and there it is.

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While Watson begins on Court 10 in a few moments, Kyle Edmund plays his first main draw match at Melbourne Park on Court 22. That outside court is halfway to the airport, according to BBC expert David Lloyd.

Let's hope Edmund does not have to continue the journey towards the terminal in an a few hours time.

The 20-year-old Yorkshireman faces American Steve Johnson, who is ranked 38 in the world - 154 places ahead of Edmund.

First up is British number one Heather Watson, who is in buoyant mood after winning her second WTA title in Hobart last week.

Standing in her way is Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova. A former Wimbledon semi-finalist, Pironkova is ranked 29 places below world number 38 Watson.

You won't be surprised to discover that the sun is blazing out at Melbourne, with a couple of older, female spectators slapping on the suntan lotion. Wise move.

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"It's another cool and blustery morning in Melbourne, with the temperature expected to shift up a gear this afternoon and hit 26C. Good news for Britain's trio maybe, as they get under way early in the schedule.

"Kyle Edmund is on court 22 which, as you might have guessed, is in the outer reaches and within touching distance of the perimeter fence. Heather Watson is more centrally located on Court 10, right in the heart of Melbourne Park."

Melbourne is home to about 150,000 British emigrants who were presumably tempted by its unofficial tag of 'the world's most liveable city', seeking culture, greenery and interchangeable weather.

And the expat community's numbers have been boosted by four more Britons, who are planning to stay as long as possible.

For the first time since 2002 there are three Britons in the men's singles and the trio of Andy Murray, Kyle Edmund and James Ward are joined by the sole representative in the women's draw - Heather Watson.

Murray had a straightforward passage into round two on the opening day of the Australian Open. Now it is time to find out if Watson, Edmund and Ward can join him.

Brits abroad

EPA

The British are descending on Australia. No, there isn't a 21st-Century re-enactment of the First Fleet. Nor is a Royal entourage visiting one of the largest countries in the Commonwealth. Although the Queen, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have been spotted at the Australian Open. Sort of.

Of course, the latest crop of Britons to set sail for Land of Oz are there in the name of tennis.