Heather Watson fails to grab quarter-final place at Eastbourne

Heather Watson has failed to claim a place in the quarter-finals of the Aegon International at Eastbourne following a 6-2 6-3 defeat to Sloane Stephens.

The British number one's preparations for Wimbledon have not gone to plan as she was knocked out of the Aegon Classic in the first round last week.

In this afternoon's last-16 clash, Stephens punished Watson early to go a double break up, which was enough for the American to take a one-set lead on the grass surface.

Watson managed to break serve in the fourth game of the second set, but Stephens kept on top with three break points of her own, which put her through to the final eight.