Since her memorable run to the semifinals of the Australian Open, Johanna Konta has been the talk of British sport – back-page domination, feature articles and talk show slots.

However, last week Heather Watson provided a timely reminder of just what she is capable of, outplaying a series of higher-ranked rivals to win the Abierto Monterrey Afirme.

A watertight defense and fit-as-a-fiddle physique were the hallmarks of Watson’s original rise to prominence on tour, bringing her a maiden WTA title and a Top 50 ranking before a debilitating bout of glandular fever intervened.

Since returning the British No.2 augmented her defensive qualities with a newfound aggression. And in Monterrey her positivity paid dividends, bossing former No.1 Caroline Wozniacki in their quarterfinal then blowing away the gifted Caroline Garcia in the semis.

She completed the week in dramatic fashion, seeing off an inspired Kirsten Flipkens in the final to lift the third singles title of her career. The result catapults Watson from No.84 to 53 – her highest ranking since last June.

Watson, though, is not the only upwardly mobile Briton.

Naomi Broady (+20, No.96 to No.76): Watson’s compatriot Naomi Broady is no shrinking violet. This week was another eventful one for Broady, whose 46 aces helped her to wins over Klara Koukalova and Sabine Lisicki, a second WTA semifinal and a career-best ranking.

Eugenie Bouchard (+10, No.52 to No.42): Broady’s conqueror, Eugenie Bouchard, narrowly missed out on a second career title, but produced enough signs to suggest that her recent revival is no flash in the plan. With few points to defend over the next few months, the Canadian’s climb up the rankings is unlikely to stall at No.42.

Elina Svitolina (+5 No.19 to No.14): Elina Svitolina does not turn 22 until September, but after her thrilling final victory over Bouchard means she already has four titles to her name. The 280 points picked up in the Malaysian capital also takes her to a career-high No.14 in the rankings.

Kirsten Flipkens (+14, No.73 to No.59): While Flipkens was unable to maintain her electric start to defeat Watson, victories over seeds Alison Van Uytvanck and Konta ensured the tournament remained a highly encouraging one. She is now back inside the Top 60 for the first time since last March.

Anett Kontaveit (+18, No.91 to No.73): Anett Kontaveit progress up the rankings has been steady rather than spectacular. In Monterrey, the Estonian took the latest step in the shape of a first WTA semifinal, a result that edged her 18 places closer to a Top 50 debut.