Heather Watson crashes out of Wimbledon losing to Jule Niemeier in fourth round
Great Britain's Heather Watson has lost to Jule Niemeier in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
The British number four lost in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-4, to the 22-year-old German.
She had previously defeated Niemeier in their only previous meeting, earlier this season at Monterrey, in a final set tie-break.
It was a flat first set from Watson who swatted the net in frustration after missing a volley to bring up set point.
British hopes were briefly raised when Watson confidently broke for a 2-0 lead in the second set, but she was unable to back it up and double-faulted as Niemeier hit straight back.
Two more double faults in her next service game spelled the end for Watson as the German wrapped up victory in an hour and 17 minutes.
It was Watson's best showing in any Grand Slam but a quarter-final spot proved beyond the 30-year-old.
Watson had slipped to 121st in the world rankings and this year marked her 12th Wimbledon.
She had played on every day of the tournament so far.
Niemeier may have been unseeded but the world number 97 beat the number two seed Anett Kontaveit in the second round.
Beforehand the crowd were treated to a parade of former champions including Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Bjorn Borg, Andy Murray and Roger Federer to celebrate Centre Court's centenary.
Watson has also made her way into the third round of the women's doubles along with Harriet Dart, courtesy of victory over Natela Dzalamidze and Aleksandra Krunic on Saturday.
