Serena Williams: 'The best woman lost'

Serena Williams has paid tribute to Heather Watson after narrowly beating the young Briton in this evening's third-round Wimbledon epic.

Williams was one set up and leading 4-3 in the second as the world number one looked on course to take another step toward a fourth successive Grand Slam triumph.

The 23-year-old fought back to find herself serving for the match, but the American ultimately clinched the deciding set to seal a 6-2 4-6 7-5 victory.

"I have had some tough losses but that was the toughest match," she told BBC Sport.

"She played unbelievable and should have won the match. She gave her all and showed what a great player she is."

Williams will face her sister Venus in the last 16.