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Tennis Week: 5 minutes with Heather Watson

June 24, 2024
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The future looks bright for Heather Watson. The former US Open junior champion became the first Briton to win a WTA title in 24 years at the Japan Open last year and by February of this year, she had reached a career high ranking of 39.

And with such growing success definitely comes more responsibility as a role model for Britain’s current number two.

heather-watson-give-it-your-max2As an ambassador for Heroes of Tomorrow, Heather helps to support the sport at a grassroots level by sharing her love for the game and encourage young kids to get more involved, pick up a racket and take to the courts.

We managed to chat to her for five minutes to find out just how important it is to be a positive role model for those wanting to play tennis, oh and of course get the inside info on Wimbledon…

Hi Heather! You’ve recently come back from two months off with Glandular fever, how much of an affect has this had on you?

It was horrible, I had it since the end of last year, I was feeling exhausted every day, some days more than others with just no explanation as to why.

I thought I was being just soft or weak and then finally in Miami it got to the point I just couldn’t push anymore. I was just exhausted to the extreme so I had blood tests done and that’s when I found out. For two months after that I was just knocked out, in bed, watching TV and that’s that.

It may linger on, I could have it in my blood system for years, but from how I was feeling then, to how I am feeling now is a big difference. I feel like I’m playing just as well as I was before I was ill and I hope that will continue.

We hope so too! How are you feeling ahead of your first match at Wimbledon this year?

Last week I did some serious training. My legs were like jelly a few days ago but it’s all for my main aim which is of course Wimbledon and doing well in the grass court season.

It is so important to do well here, at home, I don’t feel like I’m just doing it for myself, but for everyone who comes to watch.

heather-watson-give-it-your-maxYou mention people that come to watch, how important is it to be a good role model for those young players who are supporting you?

I strive to be a role model and be someone kids can look up to and feel they can relate to. My work with Statoil and Heroes of Tomorrow is helping me to become the role model I want to be.

For me, it’s so important actually being here talking to the children and playing tennis with them.

It’s one thing just saying you want to be able to inspire others, but it’s another thing actually getting out and doing it!

What do you think of the support that young players get in this country?

I think it’s tough for kids to get into tennis, and that’s why you need investment from sponsors like Statoil and charities like Give It Your Max.

I’m fortunate enough to have Statoil as one of my sponsors and in tennis you need help and support because it’s a tough life traveling and competing week-in, week-out.

To be successful, every tennis player has a strong team around them.

Check out this video to find out just what Heroes of Tomorrow and Give It Your Max are all about.

Heather Watson begins her Wimbledon tournament today against Madison Keys of America.

Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

 

 

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