Guernsey Press

Watson defies injury to win Nottingham opener

HEATHER WATSON overcame a tweaked hamstring to start her grass court season with a win yesterday in Nottingham.

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Heather Watson plants a tree at the LTA's Rothesay Open Nottingham to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. (Picture from LTA, 30894193)

The Guernsey star required a medical time-out when 5-4 up in the first set against young American Katie Volynets, but with her right thigh heavily strapped Watson then reeled off six games in a row as she progressed to the second round of the Rothesay Open 6-4, 6-2.

‘It was a relief to get over the line,’ said Watson, who turned 30 last month.

‘I think the trainer was recommending me not to continue but I said “I have to, this grass season is once a year”. I’m so happy to be back in Nottingham … I really felt the support and that pushed me through over the line today.

‘Katie is a great young up-and-coming player. I played her last year and she’ll be on the tour for a long time. It will have been tough for her today, me having my injury, but I’m just happy to get through it and hopefully I’ll be feeling fitter for my next match.’

That match could be a ‘Battle of the Brits’ as Watson will face Emma Raducanu in the second round if the US Open champion can overcome Viktorija Golubic in her opener.

‘I will just take it as another match,’ said Watson.

‘I treat every opponent the same, I respect all these girls, they’re great competitors, great athletes, they all put in so much work throughout the whole year, so I’m looking forward to it.’

Ahead of the tournament, Watson planted a cherry blossom tree at Nottingham Tennis Centre as part of the LTA’s support for the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

‘It’s an honour to be part of the Jubilee celebrations here in Nottingham and plant this beautiful cherry blossom tree which will grow and blossom as the centre evolves,’ Watson said.