Watson surrenders British No. 2 spot

The 26-year old yesterday saw her world ranking fall 23 places to 133 following a disappointing grass court season in which she managed just one singles win from five tournaments, that being in the first round at Nottingham in June.

Watson’s plunge means she is no longer the British number two behind Johanna Konta. That honour now goes to Katie Boulter, with the Sarnian slipping to third.

More significantly, it also means Watson will have to go through qualifying in a bid to make the US Open. Traditionally, only players inside the top 100 carry automatic entry into each of the four Grand Slams on the tennis circuit.

‘I haven’t had to do it for a while [go through qualifying], but I’ve done it before,’ said the Guernsey woman.

‘I think I’ve done it at Roland Garros three times and I’ve done it in Australia once. I’ve been in the main draw for the US Open however many years I’ve been on the tour, so it will be different, yes. But I’m ready.

‘Qualifying means you have to start the week before [the main Grand Slam] and you’ve got to win three matches to get into the main draw. It’s really tough competition out there, girls that have been in the top 100 whose rankings have dropped just like mine.

‘It will be tough because everyone wants to play in the main draw with the crowds and everything it brings. You don’t want to leave the party before it’s really started. You want to get through and make a mark. That’s what I’ve got to do.’

Watson, who peaked at 38 in the world in January 2015, made the main draw at Wimbledon this year on the strength of being ranked 88 as of 25 June.

• More in Wednesday's Guernsey Press.