A World Cup full of memorable moments was also marked by exclusion, exploitation and unprecedented political meddling, writes JAMES NALTON
Watson dumped out of the Australian Open in closely fought contest
Heather Watson was unable to join compatriots Johanna Konta and Kyle Edmund in the second round of the Australian Open today, having been defeated by Yulia Putintseva.
Victories for ninth seed Konta and particularly Edmund, who knocked out 11th seed Kevin Anderson, provided a very positive start for the small British singles contingent in Melbourne this year.
Watson did not get onto court for her clash with Putintseva until the evening and it was the Kazakh who emerged victorious, winning a very tight contest 7-5 7-6 (8/6).
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