HEATHER WATSON was given a harsh lesson on what it will take to get to the top of the senior women’s tree in Great Britain, let alone the world, as she was brushed aside in the second round of the Caversham Jersey Open yesterday.
After a long wait for the start of her match on number two court at Les Ormes against British number four Katie O’Brien, the Guernsey girl was swept aside 6-1, 6-1 in 59 minutes.
The tournament’s number three seed faced only three break points despite an inferior first serve percentage to Watson.
While Watson made 66% of her first serves, her conqueror was well down at 57%.
Despite that serving inconsistency, the more experienced O’Brien, who is ranked just outside the world’s top 100, won 70% of the points on her serve, compared to Watson’s 31%.
O’Brien was always likely to be a step too far for the rookie Guernsey girl.
Just a couple of months short of her 23rd birthday she is far more experienced than the Commonwealth Youth champion and is ranked 134th in the women’s world rankings, having played in the main draw at this year’s Australian Open and five Wimbledons.
She is also a member of the Great Britain Federation Cup team.
To complete a disappointing day for the hopeful Sarnian contingent Watson also bowed out of the women’s doubles.
In their second-round match, she and English partner Naomi Broady lost 6-4, 6-1 to the number two seeds Sarah Borwell and Monique Adamczak.
Watson departs the $25,000 event having wowed the crowds, a venue she described as her second home.
In her two singles Watson showed strength and maturity well beyond her years, impressing many seasoned observers.
She enjoyed it, too.
‘I used to fly over here every Tuesday for lessons but I haven’t been back in a couple of years so it’s great to be here and to get my first win here because it does feel like my second home.’
Ahead of the O’Brien clash the Youth Commonwealth Games champion, had said: ‘I’m just going to take things as they come and try my best and enjoy the match.
‘I’ve had such a good year already going from around 400 in the ITF international junior ranking to 15 and now I really want to start playing the women’s grand slams.
‘But I love what I’m doing at the moment. It’s great.’
Watson’s coach, a familiar face in former CI county performance officer Andrew Fisher, had been pleased with her win over Jade Curtis.
‘Heather started the match quite tight and I think she underestimated how much playing in front of a home crowd would have on her.
‘But she stayed close to her opponent who has a proven track record and kept up with the pace of the game and took her opportunities.
‘She had the opportunity for the second set at 4-3 and 30-0 which threw her, but she continued to believe in herself after losing that and started the third well.’
Article posted on 27th March, 2009 - 2.30pm
One Article Comment
Chin up Heather! Its all good experience. Well done.
Report abuse