Heather Watson

[Sallydaisy]

Just to add.... on court 8. Is that one with a live feed or one that is not televised - in other words, is there likely to be a stream?

Bet365 have streams from Rod Laver, Hisense, Margaret Court, Show court 2, Show court 3, court 6 and court 8.
So, it's quite likely that there will be a livestream somewhere ....

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21008581)- Australian Open 2013: Heather Watson targets top 30 after win
video interview

[Jan]

Good luck for tonight Hev! Will hope for good news in the morning (or during the night if I happen to wake up).

[david1610]

Bet365 have streams from Rod Laver, Hisense, Margaret Court, Show court 2, Show court 3, court 6 and court 8.
So, it's quite likely that there will be a livestream somewhere ....
http://lsh.streamhunter.eu/static/popups/129955915322150.html is up and running for the match on court 8 before Heather and it seems a reasonable stream for those able to have a long night..... or living in a more time-friendly zone of the world.

Edit: I was going to stay up but the match before is only a set and a half gone with about 100 minutes plus so it seems to have four hours written all over it (famous last words) but must s l ee p....

[david1610]

Heather broken to love in her first service game. Her opponent has got real power and moved Heather around. Tricky.....
C'mon Heather!
2-0 Heather at least got a point.
Heather much better in this game. Moving her oponente around, finishes with an ace so holds to love.
Really think she should start by receiving - just get the feeling she loses that first service game so often in matches.
Now let's see if Heather can do something about the power.
Heather mixing it up now rather than just allowing her oponente to whack it harder and harder.... gets first BP. Another UE by Pervak.
2-2 Important for Heather to keep the momentum. C'mon Heather!
BP to opponent. Deuce Another BP. Heather goes long.... 2-3
Pity she had the momentum as Pervak is a bit hit and miss. Oh well. Break back please!
40-30 to Pervak 40-40 good defence and court craft by Heather. BP Heather moving P. around the court. C'mon Heather! Brutal power sets it up for P. Deuce. Then a UE with no pressure by P. AD Heather. Heather hits long Deuce. Aargh! Ten minutes of consistency by Heather and she could cause a lot of doubt in P.. Heather long again. AD P. Heather dumps it into the next. Bounces racket on the floor. 4-2 P.
Heather to serve. 3 UEs by Pervak 40-0. Winner by P. 40-15 Heather gets her opponent almost out of court UE 4-3
OK time to break please! Two double faults 15-40! Breaks back! 4-4 Big big game. C'mon Heather!
Heather UE 0-15 Heather a rather half-heared drop shot... murdered... 0-30 Heather too long after long rally 0-40 Oh dear... another UE Heather getting frustrated.
It is that blinking first serve game lost. She has been playing catch up every since. Return next time!
This is a bit frustrating because after the first game I thought Pervak could be really dangerous but she is very inconsistente. Heather really has to step this up as this should be winnable. C'mon Heather!
Good change of direction by P. does for Heather. 15-0 Heather returns the favour 15-15 Weak shot into the net by Heather 30-15.
Heather long on the return 40-15 2 SPs. Best rally of the match with P. eventually hitting it long. 40-30. Heather hits it wide. First set gone.

Frankly that was a set lost rather than won. Five Live commies saying this is the worst they have seen Heather play "her game is not there".

Wonder is she is feeling under the weather.

[lynne]

Just logged in for news of Heather's match thought it would of been well over with by now......come on Heather just settle down a little!!:thumbup:

[david1610]

Second set...
Heather UE 0-15 massive winner down the line 0-30 Pervak long 15-30 Weak serve 15-40 Heather really whacking her raquet on the ground...sigh.. C'mon Heather! Good variety from Heather 30-40. UE from P. Deuce. DF Heather :(
BH long.... Heather a break down. Oh dear.
0-1
30-0 after UE by H. Long rally UE by Heather. Starting to think she might not be 100%
2-0 Commies saying Heather looking lost..... :(
0-15 0-30 15-30 UE by P. 30-30 another UE Heather into net after long rally being moved around 30-40 Heather has a drop shot which looks out...but overruled by the umpire. Deuce. Weak UE by P. AD Heather. Second serve murdered by P. Deuce.
UE P. AD Heather. Heather draws her in to the net and manages to volley the return into the open court. 2-1
Kept it to one break - just! C'mon Heather!
15-0 then three good points by Heather 15-40 long BH by Pervak 2-2
Now if she can just get her nose in front. C'mon Heather!
Long rally 0-15. 15-15 much better rally. Commies saying if she can just get ahead and I agree with them.
Ace from Heather. 30-15 Heather tries to hit short to bring P. in to the net. Does not work 30-30
Bad FH into net by Heather 30-40. Come on Heather! Ace! Deuce.
Good point by Heather finished off with a volley. AD Heather . very weak drop shot by Heather.... Deuce. Very weak in fact. Why?
C'mon Heather Deuce. Two points to go ahead in the set. Rally Heather into the net. AD P.
Great FH down the line Deuce. Becoming a very critical game. C'mon Heather. FH into net after long rally by P. AD Heather.
Good aggression by Heather. 3-2 to Heather. I think that is the first time she has won three games in a row!
Heather very aggressive out. Then a UE . 30-0 Very bad miss by P. 15-30 Good long return by Heather 30-30 glimmer...
Unlucky net chord.... 40-30
Great FH by Heather Deuce. Two points please Heather! Bad UE by P. AD Heather. Please!!!! Great serve ... no chance... deuce.
Heather long. AD P. Heather hits into the net. 3-3
Big game now. If Heather can hold now, "just" a break and a hold to follow!
Second serve murdered by P. 0-15 Good serve 15-15 Rally P. out wide 30-15
Best rally of the match from Heather IMO. One great get. 40-15. Another drop shot by Heather ...sigh... 40-30.
Heather the ball is sitting up too much - don't do that please!
Very good angle by P. Deuce. C'mon Heather. Stay focused. Two points!
Good serve by Heather Return out.... AD Heather. Terrible DF. Oh dear. Deuce.
C'mon Heather! Long rally UE into net by P. AD Heather.
Please.... an ace or something! Wayward return by P. 4-3 Heather. She held serve at the most difficult end of the court so cross fingers time!
4-3 Break and hold and 1 set all - please! C'mon Heather!

[lynne]

Yes David lot of mistakes from Heather...really struggling!

[david1610]

Heather hits a UE returning serve 15-0 Heather out of position 30-0 UE from Heather 40-0.
Ace from P. hold to love very quick and easy game. 4-4
No need to say it is there... critical... c'mon Heather!
Good winner from Heather 15-0 Wayward from Heather 15-15
Good volleying by Heather 30-15 Good serve 40-15 aargh DF.... where's the consistency?? C'mon Heather.
Heather lost a rally through being too passive. Really whacking rally on the ground. Deuce.Just feel if she can take it to three she has a chance.
Heather hits it out in a long rally AD Pervak. Ace from Heather. Deuce.
Good volleying there from Heather - 3. AD Heather. Good serve. 5-4
0-15 Heather (missed point sorry): Heather wafts it up. Murdered... 15-15
P. UE into the net 15-30. very good aggressive rally by P. 30-30 Aargh.... Heather did everything and missed a sitter near the net. Whacking the next... gets a time warning! 40-30 Into net by P. Deuce.
Heather gets a SP with brilliant defence. C'mon Heather!
UE by Heather 40-40 Long rally Heather goes long Heather looking a bit tired. AD Pervak. UE P. 40-40
Heather long and seems to be suffering. UE 5-5
Heather might have cramp unfortunately :( 5-5 Eek...
Serving against the wind....
0-15 Heather UE
Good FH by Heather 15-15
Slightly miraculous get by Heather after another drop shot....30-15
Weak UE into the net. 30-30
Heather goes to the net P. lobs out. Commies saying Heather looking like somebody who has just finished a marathon. Good rally by Heather. 6-5 C'mon Heather!
15-0 Heather really does not like the cal 30-0 Heather long 40-0 good winner by Heather 40-15 Heather wide 6-6
This set is already 80 minutes!
TB time.
Commies saying Heather at best end so needs to change over about 4-2 but loses first point 1-0 Petkova
Rally then P. into net 1-1
P. serves very aggressive rally by H which she wins 2-1 Heather
Aargh bad miss by Heather 2-2
Ace by Heather 3-2 Next point please. C'mon Heather! Wide after longish rally 3-3
Change ends... Heather against the wind. C'mon Heather!

[Hawkeye]

Heather just saved 2 match points in the second set tie-break...

[david1610]

Heather UK 4-3
heather comes in with an awful, awful overhead 5-3 raquet on the ground 3-5 Heather serving
Heather into net 3-6 P. has 3 MPs.
Incredibly long rally 28 shots - longest of the match 6-4
Long rally ... UE by P. 6-5 Heather to serve. Second serve... UE P. 6-6
Change ends...
Good rally comes to the net... puts it away 7-6 Saved three MPs and has a SP. aargh.... after a great get, Heather wide 7-7
UE by P. 8-7 Set point. Agressive point by Heather.
Wins the set.

I almost cannot believe she got that. All credit to Heather! Now use your experience Heather.

[lynne]

I can't believe it either.......COME ON HEATHER!!!!

[JAMES4578]

Maybe Pervak got tight but gutsy fightback from Heather,hopefully she can keep the momentum going in the 3rd.

[david1610]

Good got company end of ball by ball....
C'mon Heather!

[david1610]

Heather breaks in the first game!
Please please please safe hold. C'mon Heather!
And holds 2-0
She could really do with another break and keep the momentum and get some insurance. C'mon Heather!
Amazingly 3-0 after Heather has got cramp again. Hope she can shake it off.
This is "girls own" stuff!
If she can hold serve 4-0 will look very good of course. C'mon Heather!

[JAMES4578]

Heather gets the double break for 3-0 but has started to cramp, hopefully she'll be ok! Pervak is struggling somewhat at this point.

[david1610]

And now 4-0
C'mon have some fun and go for 5-0 C'mon Heather!
Think Heather was in energy conservation mood there 4-1
Hope the cramp holds off. C'mon Heather!

[david1610]

Nervous now. I think the cramp is there. 15-15
Two great serves to go 5-1 up!
5-2
Just hope she has enough left in the tank and avoids cramp to serve it out.
C'mon Heather!

[JAMES4578]

Thankfully the cramp didn't hamper her too much and Heather takes the match 6-2 in the 3rd, well done!:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[lynne]

Well............she dug deep there......gutsy fight back Heather...Well Done!!!:thumbup:




Great commentary David!!!:thumbup:

[david1610]

She's done it! Brilliant! Three hours and two minutes!
That must be one of the best victories of her career. Not for her quality of tennis in the first half of the match but the sheer guts she showed.
Well done lass! :)

[hfwardhouse]

:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

What a fab match to see the end of! Brilliant play from Heather despite the cramping legs!

[david1610]

Tennis eh.... they started on that court 7 hours and 40 minutes ago and they have only got through one women's and
one men's match!!!!
Heather hugging everybody... you can see how much that means!

[Alis]

Fantastic - very well done Heather!!!!

[Jan]

Just brilliant Heather! :cheer::cheer::cheer:
Thanks for the running commentary!

[Linda]

Well done Heather! What a fighter!
Brilliant commentary, David!

[Maza1987]

Amazing
just woke up and trying to catch up on the drama

[Jan62]

Well done Heather, another amazing fightback. Great to see how much it means to her, and another climb up the rankings.

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo:

Well done Heather Watson - that was a very tough match to come through!!!
Next up is the 4th Seed - AggiRad
:sofa:

[pabbers]

Well done Hev -what guts! Will need her A game for the next one though.

[karanga]

Well done Heather. :bravo:

[cazza99]

Well done Heather :yahoo:


Heather's press interview transcript - http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2013-01-16/201301161358329396204.html

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21038650)- Australian Open 2013: Heather Watson beats Ksenia Pervak

[Sallydaisy]

Ouchy tweet from Pervak's coach Alina Jidkova:

"I felt like I was the only one cheering for Ksenia the whole match!
Not fair, but the english fans helped Heather to win."

[Maza1987]

Should rise to a career high rank maybe just inside top 40

[pabbers]

Should rise to a career high rank maybe just inside top 40

Amazing the difference a match makes.

[Caro]

Wow, so happy to read this. Well done Heather!!

I was watching before I left for work. Saw the 2nd set tie-break when she was 3 consecutive MPs down so very impressed with the fight back. had to leave before the 3rd set started .... cursing work again today!!

[Linda]

Ella Ling ‏@ellaling23

And they say we Brits are incapable of showing emotion..^^ @HeatherWatson92 @judmoo pic.twitter.com/9o0jj75x

https://twitter.com/ellaling23/status/291536789984927744/photo/1

Now, who does Hev remind me of in that pic?

[Genbrit]

Wow, great news. Had to go to bed when she was a break down in the second set so was very happy when I looked at the result this morning. Sounds like she fought well. The fans were behind her which I'm sure helped, it sounded like a great atmosphere. Thanks for the commentary David. :)

[dewster99]

great resilience from Heather, cracking result. A rematch with radwanska next up and have to say I'm expecting a similar result but nothing to lose and a great run so far

[Maza1987]

Heather has not really been playing near her best this tourny but I'm pleased that she has done what is needed to grasp the opportunity to beat two players whom she should be beating.
She really will need to play near her best to keep the scoreline against Aga reasonably competitive.

[davech]

Just watched a replay of the end of her match - love the bit when she hugged the crowd at the end for their support!

[supergran]

It was brilliant. Woke up and saw last two sets. She is such a delightful young woman.

[Maza1987]

Good little article about Marina Erakovic and Heather who are playing dubs tomorrow.
http://tvnz.co.nz/tennis-news/doubles-win-could-boost-erakovic-5320189?


"I love playing with Marina, we gel really well together on and off the court," Watson added.

"We have got a tough first round, but we're both healthy and hopefully we can give it a good go."

Watson said she spoke to Erakovic about that devastating loss to Cornet, who lost 6-3 6-3 to Venus Williams last night, but the Kiwi No 1 didn't want to discuss it.

"I tried talking to her about it and she said I don't want to talk about it," Watson said.

Erakovic has rarely had a consistent partner over her career, but the combination with Watson is one that clicked from the start.

[Hawkeye]

Heather and Marina Erakovic have been beaten 6-4 6-0 by the German duo Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Kveta Peschke.

[Linda]

:crying:

[davech]

Radwanska's going to be a tough prospect for Heather tonight. She's won 11 matches on the trot this year already.

[Maza1987]

Gl. cant hope for a win when I wake up. But would like a much closer match than last time. Aga is on a 12 match win streak or something.

[Craigenhogen]

Gl. cant hope for a win when I wake up. But would like a much closer match than last time. Aga is on a 12 match win streak or something.

We can only hope for a win! Good luck Heather!:GBflag:

[supergran]

Good luck Heather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:GBflag:

[Craigenhogen]

Heather to serve first! Wish her the best of luck! :GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Best of Luck Heather!!!

:jitterbug::jitterbug::jitterbug:

[Sallydaisy]

Going with serve so far. Good to see that neither of them are wearing YELLOW!!!
Heather in a purple top and black skirt/shoes; Agnieska in a white dress with pink bits about the place.

Ace from Heather to complete a hold of serve 2-1

[supergran]

Challenges should be made immediately!

[Craigenhogen]

2BP for Heather!

[Craigenhogen]

Deuce :(

[Sallydaisy]

Aggi holds for 2-2 despite Hev having those 2bps.

[Craigenhogen]

Radwanska seems to have woken up. Hev needs to up her game pronto!

[Sallydaisy]

There's the first break; Aggi to serve next at 3-2.
Bit tentative from Hev at the start of that game which allowed the Pole to get ahead.

[supergran]

Aggi upped her game now. Come on Heather!

[david1610]

Hang in their Heather!

[Sallydaisy]

Great pass from Heather!!! *0-15, 15-15(first Ace for Aggi), 30-15, 40-15 and Aggi holds for 4-2

[supergran]

5-2 now.

[Craigenhogen]

I think Hev just likes to entertain us with 3 set matches, I mean it's the only reason she'd let Radwanska go up a double break :)

[david1610]

Angieska really playing well now! Just hope Heather can hang in and get enough games to feel confident afterwards whatever the result.

C'mon Heather!

[Craigenhogen]

Good work Heather 2bps!

[Craigenhogen]

Watson breaks for 5-3

[david1610]

Heather breaks! Much better. Please hold. C'mon Heather!

[Sallydaisy]

Heather broke back!!! Still a break down though so she's serving at *3-5 to stay in the set.

[supergran]

5-3 30 all

[Craigenhogen]

First set Radwanska 6-3

[Sallydaisy]

30-30. 30-40. Tricky point.
Radwanska breaks and takes the first set 6'3.

[supergran]

Opening set to Aggi 6-3

[Craigenhogen]

First set Radwanska 6-3 :(

[david1610]

Pity but in a strange way might be better for Heather to serve second in the second set.
C'mon Heather!

[Sallydaisy]

The commies are saying they're expecting some rain in about 15mins.

[Sallydaisy]

Hev took Aggi to *0-30 but it's now *40-30 and now deuce after a missed shot by the Pole.

[Sallydaisy]

OOooo! Hev had a breakpoint but failed to convert.
Now has Ad against Aggi's serve.
Dropshot gets the Pole out of trouble and back to deuce.

[david1610]

Pity but hopefully giving her confidence. Just hope she has a high first serve percentage this set. C'mon Heather!

[Craigenhogen]

Radwanska holds and has now called a trainer about her finger...

[Sallydaisy]

Aggi finally holds but Heather really gave her trouble in that game.

The Pole has now called the trainer 'cos her hand is bleeding.

[supergran]

Off to bed to watch. See you tomorrow.

[Sallydaisy]

I'm going to have to head to bed. Heather is playing very well but Aggi's experience is telling and Hev is hitting some errors so I'm not sure if she'll win this 2nd set. Early days but Radwanska is gradually taking control again and hasjust broken Heather to go 2-0 up in the 2nd set.

[david1610]

0-2 Heather must stay positive. She is playing some very good tennis - this is a much higher standard by Heather than the score suggests.

[Craigenhogen]

I'm going to keep watching until what seems likely to be the bitter end, COME ON HEV!

[Craigenhogen]

Radwanska 4-0. *gulp*

[Craigenhogen]

Radwanska 5-0. Basically GSM Aggi :(

[Craigenhogen]

Radwanska wants a bagel, Heather doesn't seem to be complying though :)

[Craigenhogen]

5-1 Heather is not going quietly that's for sure!

[Craigenhogen]

Great job Hev 2bps!

[Craigenhogen]

Still one left come on Hev!

[Craigenhogen]

Deuce. C'MON HEV!

[Craigenhogen]

Advantage Watson :)

[Craigenhogen]

Ace from Aggi makes it deuce again...

[Craigenhogen]

Match point Radwanska.

[Alis]

Bad luck Heather. A win there was a lot to ask.

[Craigenhogen]

GSM Radwanska 6-3 6-1. Even though she lost, Heather still did a great job today. She's been performing some great shots, had some impressive net play and most of all made us all proud! Well done Hev! :clap::clap:

[david1610]

Oh well. Hope she is positive. That was a number 4 performance from her oponente and Heather played some good quality tennis as well. Take that into the top 30-50 opponents and it will have been a good experience!

[lynne]

Stay strong Heather, a lot of postitives can be taken from this!!!:thumbup:

[xenon21]

Hard luck Hev! Scoreline flatters Aga. Was closer than that as Heather had her chances. Some poor errors at crucial points for Hev. But still a great tournament from Heather! Beautiful backhands down the line too!

NOt impressed with Aga's gamesmanship at times. A 3 minute medical timeout for the tiniest cut ever on her finger barely bleeding. And some pretty late decisions to challenge

[JAMES4578]

As expected Heather found it just a bit tough to match Aga but a creditable performance, just a pity Heather erred on the big points. Sure she can build on it!

[hfwardhouse]

Disappointing result but glad to hear Heather played well. It was always going to be a hard match to win for Hev. It has been a good slam for her and lots to build on.

[Maza1987]

Just woke up to the scoreline. Was hoping for a few more games but aga is really on it at the mo.

Still a ch ranking coming up.
Now on to Thailand.

[Maza1987]

what really annoys me is the reason I didnt stay up for this is cause I had to up early to travel to london. but completely snowed under today so cant go anyway. Sheesh

[Jan]

Glad to hear that Hev played a good match. Aggie was always going to be a very difficult opponent, no disgrace losing to her. Hev's had a great Aussie Open - well done to her!

[pabbers]

Shame but this was always going to be a mountain to climb and does show the work still to be done and the gap between the top and the lower ranked players. Hev will get there with her grit and determination and hard work.

[david1610]

Still all about progress and being encouraged not discouraged. She should remember how she played rather than the actual score, which is a reflection of how difficult she found it to hold serve, but not a reflection of the actual match, which was closer - more like 6-4 6-4.

The positive is that she managed quite often to raise her game to rally well against somebody who deserves her number 4 ranking. That is what she has to remember going forward.

Good tournament in terms of ranking points and also learning. Well done Heather!

[david1610]

Short comments by Heather and Laura in video on this page here - both being sensible about their tournaments. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21097093

[david1610]

Heather playing in Pattaya in Thailand. Drawn against Timea Babos in first round (ranked around 71). Heather is actually seeded 8 here.
The winner will play either the qualifier A. Sevastova or Misaki Doi. Heather's doubles partner has already won her first round match against the 27 rnaked Su-Wei Hsieh and will play a local Thai wild card Wongteanchai next.

PS And Heather and Marina are No. 2 seeds in the doubles draw playing Amanmuradova and Panova in the first round.

PPS There may be a spelling test on these names later :)

Actually she is third on later today and could be playing about 9:00 a.m. UK time if the two previous matches are reasonably quick - allowing a total of three hours for them. Doubles a bit later!

[david1610]

Heather won 6-1 3-0 (retirement). Plays Sevastova next (ranked 181). No information on doubles match (no result appearing in the doubles draw - site says it is raining).
Of course it seems an anticlimax after the big match at the AO, but just as important to beat players like Sevastova - it will put her in the Quarter Final of a WTA even and give her another seventy points. More importantly it gets her used to being in the QF or a main event as a matter of course. Just a short time ago we were looking at 3 qualifiers to get a few points and a main event match. Judicious selection of tournaments very important for that ranking!
C'mon Heather!

[Jan]

Well done Heather! Keep it up :thumbup:

[Maza1987]

gl against sevastova

[david1610]

gl against sevastova
gl?

[Hawkeye]

good luck...

[Sallydaisy]

Heather's match is delayed because of rain.

[Sallydaisy]

Heather is playing right now. Lost the first set 6'7(4) (43 points to 49).
On serve in the 2nd set; Heather serving at 1-2.
Livescores here:
http://www.protennislive.com/frameset.asp?year=2013&wkno=5&lang=en&tabno=1&eventid=0573&ref=www.atpworldtour.com

[david1610]

Heather is playing right now. Lost the first set 6'7(4) (43 points to 49).
On serve in the 2nd set; Heather serving at 1-2.
Livescores here:
http://www.protennislive.com/frameset.asp?year=2013&wkno=5&lang=en&tabno=1&eventid=0573&ref=www.atpworldtour.com
Unfortunately she lost 6/7(4) 6-4 2-6 Her opponent was ranked quite low but on checking she was 36 a couple of years ago.

[Sallydaisy]

Shame for Heather ... but it's Thursday already and next Wednesday the GB girls start their Fed Cup campaign. I wonder if Hev will go direct to Israel (Joko is already in Eilat but lost her QF match today) or make a quick zip home to the UK and travel out with Judy, Laura and AnneK. They'll probably need to be in Eilat on Monday what with acclimatising, press and parties!

[JAMES4578]

Pity for Heather, but hopefully she'll be in form for the Fed Cup.

[david1610]

Heather lost in doublest today. Strange score 2-6 6-1 1-10
Her partner Erakovic had earlier lost in three to Lisicski (spelling?)....

[Sallydaisy]

Heather is in the USA ...

Memphis Tennis ‏@memphistennis (https://twitter.com/memphistennis) Sitting at the practice desk this morning and the players are making their way in to book courts,
1st player seen @HeatherWatson92 (https://twitter.com/HeatherWatson92) Welcome!

[Sallydaisy]

Heather plays her first match in Memphis later today - not before 17.00hrs GMT.
R1: Heather WATSON (GBR) [4] 41 vs. Galina VOSKOBOEVA (KAZ) 109

She has also hooked up again with Marina to play doubles - don't know when the first match will be.
R1: [3] ERAKOVIC, Marina (NZL) & WATSON, Heather v OUDIN, Melanie (USA) & PERVAK, Ksenia (KAZ)

[Maza1987]

just got under way

[Linda]

Well, slap me with a wet haddock, as someone else on here used to say!

I thought the set was going really badly when Hev had been broken twice but she did a Rafa to come back and take the set! :cheer:

[Linda]

C'mon Hev! Don't let her take the 2nd set!

The other one took the 2nd so we're all square.

C'mon Hev! :swingin:

[Linda]

Hev starts the 3rd with a break! Vamos! Oh, but then gets broken back :sad:

Am I on the right thread for this? Where is everyone else?

Hev gets another break! :cheer: Now hold, Heather!

Hev leads 3-1! Vamos Hev!

Hev breaks again and now leads 4-1 :cheer: :cheer:

[JAMES4578]

Tough match but hopefully Heather nearly there!

[Sallydaisy]

I've been out for an hour and a half at the swimming pool and thought it'd be all over!!!

[Linda]

nearly there!

[Sallydaisy]

She got broken serving for the match at *5-2 ...
Still has a chance though.

[Linda]

Come on Hev! Get it done!

[pabbers]

Couldn't find a live score :-(

[hfwardhouse]

Aaargh doing it the hard way - broken again to 5-5

COME ON HEV!!

Pat the LS is on the ATP livescores as well - if you click on Memphis you can choose men or women.

[Linda]

Broken when serving for the match :crying: :crying:

5-5 it's anyone's match now

Come on Hev!

livescore http://www.protennislive.com/lshd/main.swf?year=2013&wkno=99&eventid=&tour=&lang=en&ref=www.atpworldtour.com/

[JAMES4578]

Heather now serving to stay in it, come on!

[pabbers]

Got it thanks. Gulp!

[pabbers]

Tie break! Aaaargh cmon Hev!!!!!

[Linda]

:sofa:

[Sallydaisy]

Okay, Hev serving 2nd ...

0-1* hold for wotsit
*1-1
*2-1
3-1* mb Hev
3-2*
*3-3 Hev gives a mb back!
*4-3 on serve. needs 3 more points.
5-3* there's another MB!!!
6-3* and 3 matchpoints to Heather on her own serve.

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Gritty and gutsy win for Heather Watson!
7'5, 5'7, 7'6(4)
She certainly took the long way round ...
:phew:

[Linda]

Yay! Well done Hev! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[pabbers]

Yes!

[JAMES4578]

Well Heather got there in the end, well done! She made it hard on herself though.

[Linda]

She did make it a lot harder than it needed to have been!

[hfwardhouse]

:yahoo: so glad she came through in the end!

[Maza1987]

Only 3hr 25mins.
A mild workout by Heather's standards.:thumbup:

[david1610]

Well done Heather! Missed it but perhaps my heart is secretly grateful!
If it is any comfort, having a long match is probably best in the first round as you have most rest before the next round.She is playing doubles tomorrow but in a way that can be a good workout.

[david1610]

Heather and Marina win 6-2 6-0. Nice workout for next round! (They are no. 3 seeds by the way).

[Maza1987]

good recovery hit really.

[JAMES4578]

Comfortable win for Heather and Marina, well done!

[Maza1987]

hlavackova tonight in rnd 2.
she has a 2-1 winning record against her

[david1610]

hlavackova tonight in rnd 2.
she has a 2-1 winning record against her
Second on court with local start time of 10:0 so what... 4:30 p.m. onwards?
Marina is also playing her singles match at the same time and they have their doubles match later on.

[david1610]

Heather started. 0-2 down. C'mon Heather!
Eek! Now 0-4. This girl is 338 on the year so far and very much a doubles specialist. First year in top 100 last year.
C'mon Heather!
1-4

[Sallydaisy]

First set gone; Hev had break points but couldn't convert.
Hlavackova 6'2. Hev needs to put her foot on the gas if she wants to win this.

[david1610]

Heather coming back in the second 3-0 up.

[cazza99]

Is there a stream for this?

[david1610]

Is there a stream for this?
Haven't found one.
Heather just went 4-0 up after having BPs for and against.
That could be the key game.
Hope Heather learns to start well!
Survives bp on serve 40-40 now.

[cazza99]

I don't seem to find a live score either. Anyone have a link? Thanks.

[david1610]

I don't seem to find a live score either. Anyone have a link? Thanks.
Go to wtatennis and hit live scores or http://www.protennislive.com/lshd/main.swf?year=2013&wkno=8&eventid=m003&ref=www.wtatennis.com
6-0 Heather gets a bagel!
Now don't ease off and attack her straight away in the third. C'mon Heather!

[cazza99]

Thanks. Managed to find it in the end, but had problems getting the WTA one earlier.

Come on Hev :cheer:

[david1610]

3-2 very much on serve in third set. Hlavackova 80% on serve - suspect she is using her doubles experience and getting the first serves in.
No BPs yet as far as I can tell. C'mon Heather!
Edit: Heather breaks! 4-2. C'mon Heather!
Holds to 15 5-2. Would be great if she did not have to serve it out! C'mon Heather!

[david1610]

Heather wins 2-6 6-0 6-3. She took her only break point in the third set and survived two break points when serving it out. Phew!

QF time! Well done!

I am starting to think that Heather shares something with (perhaps now former) Andy - tending to start and play and work out the opponent and finish strongly.
For good or bad, she must have one of the top "best of three" set results figures for winning after losing the first set. Just would like her to learn not to need to do that!
But well done for today and good luck for the doubles!

Meanwhile her doubles partner is one set all and a break up in the final set against S. Arvidsson who has won this tournament twice and is seeded 2!

[Maza1987]

yess.
:cheer:

[patmoren]

Heather still struggling but got the win.

[cazza99]

Well done Hev :clap: :clap:

[Linda]

When I went off to church Hev had just lost the first set, so I am very happy to see this result! :clap: :clap:

[david1610]

Heather's partner beat Arvidsson the defending champion (seeded 2) the top seed Flipkens had a hard three setter as did the no. 3 seed Lisicki - well first two sets. Heather is the number 4 seed and plays Voegele ranked 89 but 41 in the WTA race.

[Linda]

I always think the race is more meaningful that the rankings when assessing a player's form.

[david1610]

I always think the race is more meaningful that the rankings when assessing a player's form.
Yes - in this case I think it is because her opponent got to last 16 in the AO.

[Sallydaisy]

Hev is going to wear herself out ... she's just starting her doubles match.
;)

[Sallydaisy]

Hev and Marina led in the first set by 4-3 but then dropped serve and it went to a tie-break.
Again they had chances but lost the first set ...

LLJ/JP serving first

*1-0
2-0* DF
2-1*
*2-2
*2-3 so that's a minibreak to Hev and Marina
3-3* given back
4-3* with interest
*5-3
*6-3 and 3 set points to t'others.
6-4*
7-4*

First set to Lee-Waters and Pegula 7'6(4) ... off to bedski for me.

[david1610]

Hev is going to wear herself out ... she's just starting her doubles match.
;)
Her singles match was 1:55.
Now down a break in the second.
Just possibly, the girls might be thinking more of their next singles rounds given they are both in the QF. 0-2 0-3
1-5...and finally 7-6 6-2
Oh well better to still be in the singles!

[Maza1987]

Heather and marina could meet in the semis if they both won their semis.
voegele is playing well but heather did beat her at the French open a couple years ago.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21529123)- Heather Watson into US Indoor Championship quarter-finals

[david1610]

Heathe's match is now up on livescore, so about to start. No stream AFAIK.
Flipkens won first set on a 13-11 tiebreak!

[david1610]

Heather lost 9 of the first 11 points! 2-0 down and in danger on her serve again. Certainly starting slowly this week... C'mon Heather!

[david1610]

Quick trip taking son to choir and come back and Heather is losing 1-6 2-4. I think she has got to start waking up at the start of matches. And Voegele has a first service percentage of 45%!
Hope she is not injured because the normal rally in the second set does not seem to have materialised. Ah! BP to Heather! No.... 2-5. Has only held service twice so far so will have to do something special to pull this one out of the bag. C'mon Heather!
And loses 6-1 6-2, Seeded 4 with nobody seeded above her in the path to the final. And even then the two players still in ranked above her were not out of sight. Missed opportunity...
Oh well, do some thinking Heather!

[Sallydaisy]

Not a good day at the office for Hev; perhaps she's run out of steam. I understand she's said she knows she's not playing well and the early struggles indicated that. Time to regroup ready for Indian Wells.

[david1610]

Heather now has a singles ranking which starts with a 3 - 39. Onwards and upwards though touched with a bit a realism looking at some of the names there. Would be great to try and get to a stable 32 or better to get that GS seeding!

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21574550)- Heather Watson continues WTA rankings rise

[david1610]

Heather lost 2-6 4-6 against Irina-Camelia Begu 1:43 though.
Pity....

She is playing doubles later.

[Maza1987]

Indeed not good.
never made any excuses though.

hopefully more luck in the dubs.

[Sallydaisy]

She DID have more luck in the doubles ...

ERAKOVIC/WATSON beat [7] KOPS-JONES/SPEARS 6-3 6-4
:thumbup:

In R2 Heather and Marina meet doubles specialists Chan/Husarova who beat Kvitova/Wickmayer.
ERAKOVIC/WATSON (104) vs. CHAN/HUSAROVA (105)

[david1610]

That really is a good doubles result.
She and Marina are not just playing the doubles to get some more court time. Given time - if they can stay together - and both progress in their singles careers - they really could continue to have doubles rankings corresponding to their singles rankins.
As regards the singles, maybe Heather needs these losses to toughen her up for the future years of her career. Pity though as a couple of good results here and there get her closer to that top 32 which gets the seeding which means you avoid the top players to stand more chance of gettng more points to keep the seeding to....
just getting on that step of the ladder.
As long as it is useful in the future I suppose....

[JAMES4578]

Good win, well done Heather and Marina!

[Hawkeye]

Watson / Erakovic currently 6-4 *3-4 in their second round doubles match.

[Hawkeye]

Sadly, they failed to win another game and lost 6-4 3-6 10-5.

[hfwardhouse]

:sad:

[david1610]

Pity.

[JAMES4578]

Disappointing it went away from them in the end.

[karanga]

:sad:

[david1610]

The good though is that Heather clearly has a regular doubles partner on the WTA circuit (when their schedules coincide) whom she clearly gets on well with, and together they are capable of beating quality doubles pairings. I do not follow doubles (male or female) well enough to know just how good they are/can be but it clearly is giving her more experience on tour, particularly when they have gone deep in some of the tournaments and so are around the locker room at the decision end of the week.
And Judy as Fed captain must be delighted that one of her up and coming singles players is also getting quality doubles experience.

[david1610]

OOP Schedule on Livescores for Miami has Heather playing on the main Grandstand court at 12:00 local today (Tuesday) which I think is 4:00 p.m. in the UK. She plays Morita of Japan.

[david1610]

Just started. Heather serving first... oops ... livescore jumped to 1-1
2-1 Heather only one point against serve for each player so far.
They have met once before - strangely enough, first round Miami two years ago when Ayumi Morita won 7-5 6-2
0-40 Heather with three BPS ... early days and have not seen Morita play but serve stats are currently 5/6 first serve and 1/4 second serve for her. Heather gets the break as she starts to win some first serves. 3-1
Eek Morita races out to 0-40 Heather's serve stats curently first 4/8 and second serve 5/5 30-40. Heather holds 4-1
And breaks again! 5-1 BP stats so far: Heather 2/7 Morita: 0/3
And holds to take the set 6-1

[david1610]

Second set. Morita holds. Heather under pressure on serve at 30-30. Second service ace! Then holds. 1-1
And breaks 2-1
Holds to 15 to go 3-1 Significantly, three aces already in her two service games.
Heather breaks to love 4-1
Interesting. When Heather lost to her two years ago, Morita was ranked 40 - her highest ranking and basically Heather's current ranking - and she is now ranked 50 according to live scores.
Broken back 4-2
Hold 4-3
And broken again! 4-4
Just wondering if the weather conditions have changed. First set serving was 61% for Heather and 60% for Ayumi, in the second set it is 39% and 43%.
Heather really needs to get back in a match where she seemed to be coasting.

[david1610]

Sorry, had to do something... Heather lost the second set 7-5

Third set
Morita holds 0-1 Has won 7 of last 8 games after Heather had won 10 of first 12 games. Heather has to hold!
Heather on serve Deuce. Phew! Holds.
Now let's attack. C'mon Heather!
1-2 Heather holds 2-2
Morita holds 3-2 She has won three service games and won 12/15 points so Heather only averaging one point per game.
Heather so far in the two service games has one 11/18 - in another words, very tight!
C'mon Heather!
Deuce. And again. I think that makes about seven deuces. 4 BPs so far. C'mon Heather!
Deuce. The 4th BP saved. 8th deuce.
O dear! Breaks on the 10th deuce and the sixth break point. Heather was 6-1 4-1 after 56 minutes and now 2-4 down in the third after 2 hours ten minutes.
C'mon Heather!
Heather had a BP but now back to deuce. AD Morita. Deuce. Heather has another BP. Back to deuce. BP Heather .... she breaks back! 3-4
Very tight - the previous 7-5 set had 69 points. (6.5 points per game) They have already had 73 points in the first seven games (10.5 points a game!)!
C'mon Heather
Long break.... wonder if ls has frozen or someone is receiving treatment?
Back... Heather holds 4-4
Morita holds 5-4
Heather serves 30-30 Eek MP Morita. Deuce. Another MP. C'mon Heather!
Oh dear. Lost 6-1 5-7 4-6 2 hours 45 minutes.
I bet she is frustrated. Two hours ago she was one set and two breaks up.
Just as long as she learns from matches like this. Never let your guard down.
Feel a bit deflated myself.

[Sallydaisy]

:sad:

Only so much Heather can do even with all her fighting spirit.
She needs a 'weapon' to help her move up a notch.


Yay! Hev broke back and is serving at *3-4.

[Sallydaisy]

Quite a long injury time-out but no idea who for because there's no livestreams.

Heather just held to love so it's back on serve at 4-4 in the 3rd set.

[Sallydaisy]

Heather serving to stay in the match at *4-5. Morita just had a match point at *30-40, saved by Hev for deuce but Morita now has *40-Ad.

GSM Morita 1'6 7'5, 6'4
:sad:

[Linda]

:sad:

[Maza1987]

Real shame.
Hasnt hit top gear yet this year.

[JAMES4578]

Disappointing,but I guess it was a tough battle and hopefully Heather will learn from these type of experiences. Pity the momentum turned round so quickly in the 2nd though.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21851851)- Heather Watson plans break from tennis after Miami loss

[Caro]

Heard a snippet of an interview from Heather on the radio this morning. She said she was very tired and needed a break from tennis ........

The guys on the radio were taking the mickey, saying it's only March for goodness sake!! I have to say I can't help but agree when you look at it in the grand scheme of things, as it would be heard by everyone on the radio.

If she is tired and de-motivated after 2 months ....... well, it's bit worrying isn't it? Get that fighting spirit back Heather, this is just proving what so many people say - British players have no grit or determination (not my opinion btw). But is does bolster the 'pampered tennis player' persona a tad.

[Jan62]

Maybe Hev has something else going on though that we don't know about, and that's affecting her motivation for tennis. If she needs a break to find it again and come roaring back, then that's what she needs to do. Let's hope she comes back quickly - we need her for Fed Cup!

[david1610]

Unlucky in love? Wanting to be in a relationship? No idea but I get the feeling that some of her Facebook posts in the last few months have hinted that she might want a bit more out of life than just the life of a tennis professional. Second full year/schedule on the road blues?
Hope she can sort that out because although I livescored it and was disappointed she lost, in another "the glass if half full" perspective, when she is positive about life, that should make the difference to winning matches like that.

[pabbers]

On the love front maybe she's simply fallen out of love with tennis.

[Sallydaisy]

Perhaps Heather's reasons and intentions have been mis-interpreted???
She sounded down but she's a fighter and she's definitely not out!!!
And she's only 20 - loads of time to regroup and find her form.

Some of the comments under the BBC article are desperately misinformed and horrible.
:grrr:

Perhaps a chat or two with Judy will help (since she's now out in Miami) and in the meantime HEATHER IS STILL PLAYING TENNIS! She and partner Marina Erakovic are still in the doubles draw and have a pending R1 match against Begu/Rosolska.

[david1610]

Perhaps Heather's reasons and intentions have been mis-interpreted???
She sounded down but she's a fighter and she's definitely not out!!!
And she's only 20 - loads of time to regroup and find her form.

Some of the comments under the BBC article are desperately misinformed and horrible.
:grrr:

Perhaps a chat or two with Judy will help (since she's now out in Miami) and in the meantime HEATHER IS STILL PLAYING TENNIS! She and partner Marina Erakovic are still in the doubles draw and have a pending R1 match against Begu/Rosolska.
The doubles probably helps a lot in that she really seems to have a good friendship with Marina. Estoril is coming up soon and last year at more or less this time she was still travelling the circuit with her mother. Dani's importance to Andy is probably sometimes forgotten. We all need friends around!

[Sallydaisy]

Looks like Heather has had time to calm down and reflect a little:

Tim Peach ‏@TimPeachBBC (https://twitter.com/TimPeachBBC) 5m (https://twitter.com/TimPeachBBC/status/314460609439735808) Watson on @bbc5live (https://twitter.com/bbc5live): "I wasn't really thinking straight...
I'm going to carry on with my schedule, so everything's going to stay the same"


She's entered in to Charleston (USA) w/c 1st April and then onto Fed Cup.

[JAMES4578]

Indeed, obviously a few disappointments but you've got to put it into some perspective. Glad that's heather seems more positive now.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21871621) - Heather Watson decides against break from tennis after Miami loss

[Jan62]

I'm pleased Hev seems to have had a change of heart, maybe just in the immediate disappointment of the loss she said what she was thinking. And obviously she's been talked round for the moment. But I worry a bit that if the thought is there, and she's been talked out of a break for now, that thought might keep re-surfacing. Whatever is going on, I'm sure all genuine GB fans wish her nothing but the best, and hope she finds that famous fighting spirit again - not least for Miami doubles. A good run in the doubles might be just the tonic she needs :)

[david1610]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21871621) - Heather Watson decides against break from tennis after Miami loss
The article shows Heather very positive about the Fed Cup play-off.
Wonder if Judy managed to have a word with her? Otherwise she sounds like somebody a bit homesick and that is completely understandable and hopefully a few days R&R at home might do the trick!

[david1610]

Heather now has her own website. http://www.heatherwatson.co.uk/

[david1610]

I could not see their names in the doubles draw on live scores yesterday so just wondered if they have pulled out of the doubles.

[Sallydaisy]

Yes, they have. See WTA general thread. (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?144-WTA-general-thread&p=129750&viewfull=1#post129750)

[david1610]

Yes, they have. See WTA general thread. (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?144-WTA-general-thread&p=129750&viewfull=1#post129750)
From a financial point of view only, it must cost more to hang around for a doubles match or two than the actual prize money earned (and shared) unless you go really deep or you get free hotels for you and your coach (do not know).

[Maza1987]

She has now pulled out of Charleston. The official reason is injury. Only days ago she stated she would stick to her original schedule.
Whatever is going on, I hope she is feeling fresh for the clay court season.

[david1610]

She has now pulled out of Charleston. The official reason is injury. Only days ago she stated she would stick to her original schedule.
Whatever is going on, I hope she is feeling fresh for the clay court season.

And she comes, as she is listed to, to Estoril, along with Laura! Very open tournament in terms of the rankings of the players
11, 15, 21, 25, 27, 29-36, 39, 40, 42. 43, 47, 48, 50-53 and 56!

[david1610]

Heather posted a photo on Facebook taken today of her and her dad, and one with him when she was a little girl.
http://www.facebook.com/heatherwatsontennis

I think the evidence of a case of home sickness grows m'lud...

[Sallydaisy]

Here's a BBC item (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21964946) on Heather pulling out of Charleston and her injury.


Heather Watson to miss WTA event in Charleston with leg injury
Heather Watson will miss next week's WTA tournament in Charleston with a leg injury. Her agent says she is being treated at the National Tennis Centre and should be fit in time for the Fed Cup Group II play-off in Argentina on 20 April.


The 20-year-old British number one announced earlier this month she had planned to take a break (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21851851) before changing her mind within 24 hours. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21871621)
Fed Cup team-mate Laura Robson will take part in the Charleston tournament. The 19-year-old Robson missed the chance to take the number one spot from Watson after suffering a second-round defeat at the Miami Masters. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21909802)

[Maza1987]

She's been diagnosed with glandular fever today.
Get well soon.

[Sallydaisy]

She's been diagnosed with glandular fever today.
Get well soon.
From Heather's FB page (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151365371693931&set=a.409916078930.184557.172185078930&type=1&theater)

I had to do some blood tests after Miami and the results have shown that I have traces of Glandular Fever (mono) in my system. There is no prescription for this other than complete rest but the good news is that the doctors have told me I am on the tail end of the fever. This means I have been trying to compete through the symtoms for some time. I have been struggling with both training and playing matches and felt so tired and exhausted for months but now that the doctors have found the cause of this, it explains everything that has been happening to me physically and mentally. I am actually relieved to know what is wrong so that I can get myself on the mend.

I hope to recover as soon as possible by resting my body and getting lots of sleep. I already feel better from being at home for a week, and am looking forward to getting back on Tour soon!
Poor Hev. No wonder she's had a dip in performance, her body must have been protesting big time after an hour on the tennis court. In fact, she's done well to get to where she is! I hope that 'rest' she was talking of is now in process and she recovers properly before playing again. The problem with GF is that it lingers in the system and can take a while to fully go.

Get well soon Heather!
:flowers:

[cazza99]

Poor Hev. I just hope she does recover from it as it sounds like she may have had it for a while and been pushing through it. Just hope she is not in the category of 12% who never recover from it. :grouphug:

[david1610]

All the best to her and at least she knows why she was feeling so tired.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/22020092) - Heather Watson diagnosed with glandular fever

Jonathan Overend BBC tennis correspondent
"After an impressive rise up the rankings to the brink of a Grand Slam seeding, Watson has struggled in recent weeks. Her last four defeats have been to players ranked below her. She talked about a curious lack of energy in matches at the Australian Open two months ago and now we know why. She has felt exhausted for months with blood tests showing she's at the tail end of a bout of glandular fever. While there's no news on how long her recovery will take, she has been advised to rest completely. Glandular fever has the ability to hit athletes hard. The Swedish top 10 player Robin Soderling hasn't played for almost two years after contracting a particularly vicious strain of the virus. Everyone in tennis wishes Heather well and a much speedier return."

[cazza99]

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9969778/British-No-1-Heather-Watson-diagnosed-with-glandular-fever-following-concerns-over-burnout.html)- British No 1 Heather Watson diagnosed with glandular fever following concerns over burnout

[pabbers]

Gosh - how on earth she's managed to play through it is anyone's guess. Hope she hasn't jeopardised a speedy recovery. Wishing her all the very best.

[Jan]

All the best to Hev- hope she gets well soon.

[supergran]

Poor Heather...hope she gets better soon.

[JAMES4578]

Sad news, hope it doesn't take Heather too long to recover.

[Linda]

Poor Hev :sad: - hope she soon makes a full recovery.

[karanga]

Sad news. Hope Heather makes a speedy recovery. :flowers:

[Alis]

Disappointing but perhaps she will be relieved to know that there is a reason for her feeling so below par. Get well soon, Heather!

[david1610]

Heather targeting return at French Open.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9985120/Heather-Watson-remains-hopeful-of-making-French-Open-in-May-after-being-laid-low-by-glandular-fever.html

[cazza99]

Mike Dickson ‏@Mike_Dickson_DM 2m

Further to my piece today I'm told Heather Watson now been practising for 10 days. Sure to play French Open, hopes for Strasbourg next week.

[karanga]

Great news about Heather. :swingin:

[Linda]

Excellent news.

[david1610]

Cautiously good news. Hopefully she will have wise company to temper the desire to come back too much too soon - miss a tournament at any suggestion of (unusual) fatigue and be stoical about possible early losses, and can have the patience to take the time not just to start playing again, but to build up to being 100% in terms of fitness and match play. We have to expect a possible slide down the rankings before things right themselves.
Good luck Heather!

[Linda]

Oh dear - the opposite news now

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes 3m

Not a great day for GB players. After Andy Murray's Rome retirement, Heather Watson misses Strasbourg next week. Diminishing FO chances, too

[JAMES4578]

Disappointing news but I suppose Heather must take her time.

[banskogirl]

Better for Heather to be 100% before she comes back :) but sooner the better!

[cazza99]

Radio 5 live says that Heather is going to Paris on Thursday.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/22668052) - Heather Watson ready for French Open after glandular fever

I don't like the sound of her coming back if she is only 90 percent fit. If she comes back to early she could make herself worse and prolong her illness.

[DaveArneRiise]

Heather dropped first set in her opening RG match. Playing much better int he 2nd though, very much in this match.

[Jane]

Second set to heather 6-2:cheer::cheer:

[Maza1987]

comon heather

[Jane]

Sadly, Heather lost 4-6, 6-2, 4-6, but a great effort coming back from illness.

[david1610]

Oh well. At least she was competitive for part of the match.

[pabbers]

Thought it was a great showing in her first match returning from such a debilitating illness. She looked physically fine for the whole 3 sets too........maybe she'll suffer later though.