Heather Watson has been knocked out of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham in the first round, being beaten in straight sets by Serbian qualifier Aleksandra Krunic this afternoon.

The British number one had to work hard to remain in contention in the first set as the world number 45 pushed for an early break of serve, before Krunic eventually wrapped the opening up in a closely-fought tie-break.

Watson was on the back foot early in the second set though as Krunic secured an early break, which was enough for the 22-year-old to serve out the match a few games later.

Watson also lost in the first round of the same event last year to Ana Ivanovic, who went on to win the title.