British Fans are Delighted With the Performance of Heather Watson

Written by: Staff on 28th June 2012

British Fans are Delighted With the Performance of Heather Watson |

Aside from the Wimbledon exploits of Andy Murray, most of the domestic British headlines are annually centered on the failings of home-grown players. But Heather Watson, the former US Open junior champion trained at Nick Bollettieri’s famed Florida academy, rewrote a little bit of British tennis history.

In reaching her first Grand Slam third round by virtue of a 6-1, 6-4 victory over American Jamie Lee Hampton, the 20 year-old Watson became the first British woman to make the last 32 here since Elena Baltacha ten years ago. The Channel Islands-born player also became the first Brit to defeat two top 100 players at the All England Club since Sam Smith in 1998.

“I was completely unaware,” admitted Watson, who last year left Wimbledon in tears after getting injured midway through her opener against Mat Hilde Johansson of France and losing the upper hand to fall to a 2-6,6-4,6-4 defeat . “I don’t really look or think about things like that. I just focus on myself and my next match.

“But as soon as I come off the court, everybody seems to let me know all the previous stats. I’ve been told about five times already.”

The win should guarantee Watson a career high WTA ranking, at least in the 70’s and next she faces third seed Agnieszka Radwanska. And after winning on her Centre Court debut in the first round, she is not nervous at the prospect of facing such high ranked opponent. “Oh, it’s definitely not terrifying,” she insisted. “It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to it. I’m in the third round now. You know, I’m relaxed about it, as well.”

Britain’s Fed Cup captain Judy (mother of Andy) Murray said court side and was almost as joyous as her player with the victory. “Heather played very solidly,” said Murray. “It is fabulous for a player like her to win two matches at a Grand Slam. It is so important for her ranking. She really deserves it.

“She has become much more professional in the last couple of months, on and off the court. And she is hitting the ball much harder.”