Heather Watson: 'Serena Williams told me how well I played'

Heather Watson has revealed that Serena Williams told her how well she had played after the five-time Wimbledon champion edged past the Brit in three sets.

Watson, 23, was within one game of beating the world number one, but was eventually pegged back and overhauled 6-2 4-6 7-5 by Williams.

"I'm pleased with my level yesterday, how I turned the match around and how I played. It was exciting for me to play and for everyone watching," Watson told BBC Sport.

"If I could play one point from the match again, it would have been the one to give me match point, but Serena is such a great player and she knows just what to do in those situations.

"When we shook hands at the net she told me well played. I'll take a lot from the match, I'm pleased with how I played and I learned a lot from it. Now, it's about maintaining that level and hopefully the results will come. It was the best atmosphere I've ever played in. Of course I'm not pleased with not winning, but everything else was fantastic."

Despite the result, Watson equalled her best ever performance at a Grand Slam by reaching the third round.