Watson to face Rodionova in Melbourne
HEATHER WATSON begins her Australian Open campaign in Melbourne tomorrow, boosted by confirmation of another Fed Cup selection for Great Britain.
The world number 120 has been drawn to face Russian-born Australian Arina Rodionova, the world No. 237, tomorrow in qualifying for the 2014's first Grand Slam, one of three rounds she must win through to reach the main draw.
It is the first time in seven Grand Slam events that the Sarnian, who has a career high of 39 in the world, has had to go through qualifying.
But having now seemingly rid herself of the effects of last year's glandular fever, Watson is revitalised for 2014, when she will look to propel herself back up the world rankings.
Speaking recently, Watson admitted: 'If someone had asked me about playing in qualifying a year ago, I would have been like, "No way". It's a big challenge but people have been through it before.
''The whole experience has definitely made me a stronger person and if something like this ever happens to me again – touch wood it doesn't – then I'll know how to deal with it.
'I'm feeling confident so I'm not just going to try to win a few matches, I want to do well and really push on. If I do that then I shouldn't be too far away from where I was.'
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