Heather Watson made a big noise at Eastbourne, then thanked the crowd for roaring her on.

The Brit sprang a major surprise in the women's event at the Aegon International yesterday by knocking out title holder Dominika Cibulkova.

World No. 126 Watson, who needed a wild card to gain entry to a stellar line-up, defeated the Slovakian, ranked six, 7-5, 6-4 in 102 minutes, to the delight of a centre court crowd basking in sunshine.

It was Watson's second win as many days after sneaking past Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko in three sets in contrasting windy conditions on Sunday.

She hailed the upset as her best victory of the year, eclipsed only in her career by beating Agnieszka Radwanska in Indian Wells in 2015.

The enthusiastic Devonshire Park patrons played their part. Watson said: "They're really loud this year. Extra loud, I think.

"I love it. The atmosphere is great. I just am really enjoying playing at the moment."

Watson has a good record at Eastbourne. She reached the semi-finals in 2014 and the last 16 in 2015.

The 25-year-old lost in the first round to Elena Vesnina last year, when Cibulkova saw off Radwanska en route to the title.

Watson was not the only British winner. Fellow wild card recipient Cameron Norrie closed proceedings on centre court in the men's event with a 6-4, 7-6 success over Argentinian Horacio Zeballos to clinch a meeting with second seed Gael Monfils.

British No.6 Norrie, born in South Africa and raised in New Zealand with a Scottish father, is an interesting character.

He has interrupted his sociology studies at university in Texas to pursue a career in tennis. He has also been awarded a wild card into Wimbledon.