Williams tells Watson: ‘Don’t give up Heather’

Williams, who herself is returning to singles action at The All England Club this week having all but retired from tennis several years ago, is a big fan of Watson’s and has never forgotten their titanic Centre Court duel at the 2015 Championships, which the American came within two points of losing.

‘Heather has always been such a strong athlete and a strong player, and a smart player as well,’ said Williams.

‘I’ve always loved seeing her on tour, and her mum – her mum [Michelle] is really nice.

‘I just think don’t give up. If you really enjoy it, just keep going.

‘I’m always rooting for Heather. There are a lot of people out there that are too. No one can write your story. She can write her own story.’

Watson’s lengthy injury-induced spell on the sidelines has resulted in her world ranking plummeting to 527.

Having been overlooked for a wild card into this year’s Wimbledon, the only option left to her in terms of playing singles was to negotiate the brutal qualifying tournament at Roehampton, which took place last week.

Having won two rounds in impressive style, Watson then fell at the final hurdle, losing to Maria Timofeeva in three sets on Thursday.

Ironically one of the eight Wimbledon wild card spots that Watson had been hoping to secure ultimately went to Serena Williams.

In the dog-eat-dog world of professional sport, the irony of her benefitting at Watson’s expense was not lost on the American.

‘I thought, “it’s not every day Wimbledon holds a wild card for someone”,’ said Williams.

‘I can name probably like a handful of people. I happened to be one of those people.

‘I thought “I should really take this opportunity”. Who knows if I’ll ever make it here [Wimbledon] again? This could be it.’

Despite being absent from singles, Watson will be competing in the ladies’ doubles at Wimbledon this week and, in all likelihood, the mixed doubles, which she won in 2016.