Heather Watson has reached the third round at Wimbledon, becoming the first woman in 10 years to achieve this feat.
The 20-year-old (pictured above) saw off Jamie Lee Hampton in straight sets in round two of the women’s singles event, winning 6-1, 6-4 to become the first British women to reach the third round of Wimbledon since Elena Baltacha in 2002.
Watson had never previously made it further than the second round at a Grand Slam, but she proved her worth on Court Two and admitted afterwards that she never doubted her ability to beat her 22-year-old American opponent.
“I always knew I could play this well,” she said. “I knew I could get far in these tournaments but it’s different playing like that in practice than bringing it onto the match court at big occasions with pressure.
“So I’m just pleased that it’s finally clicking for me.”
A competitive display was always expected, with Hampton ranked just three places above the British No.4.
“As soon as that last point was over it’s like an explosion of happiness,” Watson added. “I just love when the crowd is so loud at the end, it’s an amazing feeling. That’s why I play tennis, for those moments.”
Watson now faces Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska in her quest to become the first British woman to reach the last 16 since Sam Smith in 1998.
Elsewhere, the women’s doubles saw Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha defeated 6-3 6-2 by 15th seeds Irina-Camelia Begu and Monica Niculescu from Romania. Both Baltacha and Keothavong are in singles action later today, up against fourth seed and defending champion Petra Kvitova and Italy’s Sara Errani respectively.
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Photo credit: James Jordan Photography
