Kontaveit another step up for Watson
HEATHER WATSON will put her friendship with Anett Kontaveit aside when the two players step onto No. 1 Court at 1pm today at Wimbledon vying for a place in the third round of the ladies’ singles.
Having overcome a torrid start to defeat the gutsy American qualifier Caty McNally in straight sets on Monday, Watson knows she will have to up her game considerably if she is to beat Kontaveit, the talented 23-year old Estonian seeded 20th at this year’s Wimbledon.
‘I know her well,’ said Watson. ‘We’ve practised a lot together and she’s having maybe the best year of her career so far.
‘We’ve played each other four times, I think, and it’s two-all in our head-to-head. It will be a tough match. I mean, every match here is tough. That goes without saying. But hopefully I can improve my level.
‘I had a shaky start [against McNally]. I was nervous out there and it showed during the first set. I lost my serve straight away, then lost it again, but managed to hang in there and get better as the match went on. I finished well, but I also need to start well.’
Watson confirmed that although she will join forces once again with Henri Kontinen of Finland in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, her partner in the ladies’ pairs will be a new face.
‘I usually play with Tatjana [Maria]. We reached the quarters here last year, but this year she’s had a bit of an injury, so I’ll be playing with Mandy Minella instead, which will be fun.
‘It had to be Henri again, though. We’ve had so much fun here in the past, winning [the title] three years ago and being runners-up the year after that.
‘As long as he’ll have me, we’ll be a team.’
