Zidansek just too good on the day for Watson
HEATHER WATSON’S Australian Open singles campaign came to an end when she was beaten by 29th seed Tamara Zidansek in the second round.
Watson lost a very close match against the same player in Adelaide last week and there was little to choose between the pair again in Melbourne, but it was the Slovenian who went through 7-6 (4), 6-4.
Watson twice fought back from a break down in the opening set and had a set point at 5-6 but Zidansek saved it, played a strong tie-break and then broke the British number two’s serve twice in succession to claim the victory.
Watson, who spoke after her first-round win over Mayar Sherif about the positive mindset she is in after a pre-season training block in Florida, was not downhearted about her performance.
‘I felt like I played a really tough opponent today,’ said Watson, who has moved her training base to Bolton Arena while boyfriend Courtney Duffus plays football for Morecambe.
‘She played really well. I couldn’t find really any holes in her game. I just tried to stick with her. I felt like she raised her level a lot from last week.
‘I came off court and I wasn’t mad at myself or anything. I felt like I gave everything I had with what I had today. I don’t think it was my best tennis, but it was far from my worst.
‘I was happy with my effort and my fight and my focus. I can’t wait to play the next tournament. I feel ready to go. I want to keep working hard, keep my fitness up, and I’m looking forward to this year.’
