Judy Murray: Heather Watson will be "devastated" by defeat to Serena Williams

Great Britain Fed Cup captain Judy Murray has said that Heather Watson will be "devastated" by the manner of her defeat to Serena Williams at Wimbledon.

The 23-year-old battled back against the world number one to tie the match at 1-1, and then took a 3-0 lead in the deciding set before the American rallied.

Watson had the chance to serve for the match but couldn't secure the victory as Williams won three games on the spin to reach the last 16 of the competition.

She told BBC Sport: "It was an amazing match. Heather was blown away in the first set and Serena was serving big and hitting big off the ground. But Heather dug in, there were a lot of drop shots and short balls and she disrupted Serena's rhythm.

"To be 3-0 up in the third and serving for the match, I think Heather will be devastated to not come away with a victory as she was so, so close. But it's such an encouraging performance as she never gave up."

Watson is currently ranked 59th in the world.