Britain’s Heather Watson was knocked out of the Miami Open in the first round with a straight-set defeat by Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Haddad Maia, ranked 64th in the world, won 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 and will play Zhang Shuai in the second round.

It is Watson’s sixth consecutive loss since reaching the semi-finals of the Hobart International in January.

The 25-year-old lost to Victoria Azarenka in the first round at Indian Wells earlier this month.

Watson, ranked 72nd, served for the opening set at 5-4 but fell a set down after Haddad Maia raced through the tie-break.

Following an early break, the South American controlled proceedings in the second set to seal victory.

Defending champion and British number one Johanna Konta has a bye to the second round.