Watson has grand slam juniors in her sights

YOUNG Guernsey tennis sensation Heather Watson is on the verge of breaking into the world under-18s' top 200. The 15-year-old under 16 British national champion is currently ranked 203 worldwide, but is aiming to reach the top 50 and secure a professional contract by the end of this year or next.

'I'm going to try really hard to get there - that is my goal.

'But it's hard to maintain a high ranking,' she stressed.

This is a big year for the Sarnian.

'I think I can get into qualifying and into the main draw, but it's the best in the world competing so it's really hard.'

Watson is also planning to participate in the French Open at the end of May and US Open later in the year.

'I really like to play on clay,' she said.

Next weekend she will be flying off with the Great Britain team to compete in the European Winter Cup.

GB's group includes formidable opponents Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden and the Ukraine.

The top two countries will qualify for the finals at Rochin, France, at the end of February.

'I hope Great Britain can win it,' said Watson, who will participate in both the singles and doubles.

'That would be so good because I will be representing my country. It's a pleasure to play for my country and I'm so glad they picked me,' she said.

Watson represented Britain against the United States in the Maureen Connolly Trophy in Texas last September.

It rounded off a fantastic summer season for the Sarnian after her British under-16 title and ITF under-18 Scottish Junior International Championships win.

'By the end of this year I have to be in form. I hope to be professional next year or by the end of this year,' she said.

The youngster, who is a student at the famous Nick Bollettieri Academy, plans to stay in the US to help further her career development, which has its downsides.

'I do miss friends and family in Guernsey,' she admitted.

Ultimately, one of her dreams is to become the first British woman since Virginia Wade in 1977 to lift the Wimbledon crown, but she is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

'I want to become professional and be the best I can be and hopefully that is top 10 in the world,' she said.

'It's going to be hard because the game is getting harder and harder but I will try my best.'

She also has views on the often criticised state of British tennis.

'It's a rich federation but the children have to be hungrier. The money is not going to pay for them to win. You need the hard work and the determination to succeed,' she said.

Watson was speaking on a visit to the island to see her family and make a guest appearance at the Sportingbet Channel Islands Sports Personality of the Year awards, where she was named the NatWest Rising Star.