Monterrey Open: Heather Watson beats Kirsten Flipkens in final

Watson's opponent Flipkens had knocked out Briton Johanna Konta in the quarter-finals

Britain's Heather Watson claimed her third WTA title by beating Kirsten Flipkens to win the Monterrey Open.

The 23-year-old lost the first set but came back to defeat her 30-year-old Belgian opponent 3-6 6-2 6-3.

Flipkens threatened a revival in the deciding set, forcing two break points as Watson served for the match.

But the British number two and world number 84 held her nerve to add the title to the Japan Open in 2012 and Hobart International in 2015.

"It was really tough," said Guernsey-born Watson.

"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.

"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."

Watson beat former world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the last eight.

Analysis

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller:

"Watson won her third WTA title without the benefit of a coach, although her mum came onto court to give her a pep talk during the first set of the final.

"She was working with Pat Harrison while training at the IMG Academy in Florida before travelling to Mexico but has been without a full-time coach since splitting with Diego Veronelli at the end of last year.

"Projected to rise to 53 in the rankings, she now heads to Indian Wells. Her ranking had been too low to gain direct entry, but she was granted a wildcard having reached the fourth round last year."