TENNIS: Heather Watson made a first-round exit at the Wuhan Open yesterday after losing in straight sets to Sara Errani.

The British number one only avoided going through qualifying due to Li Na’s retirement from tennis and subsequent withdrawal from her home-town tournament but could not make the most of her opportunity.

Watson struggled on serve and was broken six times as she went down 7-5 6-4 to the 11th seed.

TENNIS: Roger Federer was yesterday announced as the Indian Aces’ marquee player to replace Rafael Nadal at the inaugural International Premier Tennis League.

World number three Federer will join Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic, Fabrice Santoro and Pete Sampras in the team, alongside Indian duo Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna.

Federer said: “I’m really looking forward to playing for the Indian Aces.”