Heather Watson

[cazza99]

A thread for discussing Heather Watson

[Maza1987]

A 3 page interview and photoshoot of Heather http://welovetherock.com/wp-content/themes/rock/editions/the-rock-09-2011.pdf
Thanks to rbbot on bt.com for the link.

[Helen40]

On to Linz..

[Maza1987]

On to Linz..

Linz is only a 220k, but I hear the field is very strong this year. So good luck on the draw.

[Maza1987]

Bad news.


Had to get an MRI done yesterday on my foot and it turns out I have an inflamed tendon. Fortunately it was nothing too serious that some rest and rehab won't solve but sadly had to pull out of Linz next week. Should be fine for Luxembourg though!

:(

Via Heather's Facebook.

[Jan]

Shame - but glad it's not too serious and long-term.

[JAMES4578]

Such a pity, but sure Heather will bounce back!

[david1610]

Yes, still young and the last thing she wants is to aggravate any injury - has to give appropriate time for any healing.

[Maza1987]

With the Olympic thread created by Helen, it got me thinking about the cut off for the women's draw. What will it be? And do they hand out wild cards at the Olympics?

[Maza1987]

And I also see she has entered for the 75k event in Barnstaple w/c 24th October. Anne and Laura also entered.
I might make the trip. 100 miles or so from Bristol. Hmmmm.

Entry list.
http://www.itftennis.com/womens/tournaments/tournamentacceptancelist.asp?tournament=1100025110&event=&order=Position

[Maza1987]

Good news. My foot has healed well and I will be ready to play in Luxembourg this weekend! Can't wait to get back to competition.


Arrived in Luxembourg today and already had one good practice. Taking a break now and will get in another hit later this afternoon.

http://www.facebook.com/heatherwatsontennis

[Maza1987]

Has drawn Kiki Bertens, ch 171.
Good luck, Heather.

Her section.
(2)Marina Erakovic (NZL) v BYE
(wc)Belinda Bencic (SUI) v (wc)Yulia Putintseva (RUS)
Bibiane Schoofs (NED) v Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL)
Kiki Bertens (NED) v (6)Heather Watson (GBR)

[Maza1987]

http://tipex.cz/?page=live&sekcia=tenis

Her match v Bertens is underway. 2*-2

[Maza1987]

Dreadful day today. Lost 2-6 1-6 to Bertens.
Maybe lingering effects of the injury or perhaps her opponent played superb. Either way, onto Barnstaple 75k wc 24th Oct—where I should hopefully be cheering her on:)

[Helen40]

I want to know what happened, but can't seem to find info anywhere. :-(

[david1610]

Oh well. If she is still injured she should rest. Otherwise we all have a bad day at the office from time to time. Rest or move on...

[JAMES4578]

Hope Heather is ok, didn't make much of an impression but she'll bounce back I'm sure.

[Maza1987]

She could not have been injured as she played dubs today (they lost) with Anne. Just a poor day at the office probably.

[Helen40]

Two poor days, Anne palyed well in her singles though :-)

[Maza1987]

Although, I have just read that because Anne will be losing dubs points this week, Heather will become the new GB doubles no.1.:)

[Maza1987]

Heather is seeded two at Barnstaple 75k. Hoping for her to get back to winning ways. I might head down on Tuesday, so hopefully some pics of her and the other Brits.

[Maza1987]

Heather goes to France for the 50k in Nantes next week.
Draw just been made.

R1
Mladenovic vs Watson

Heather beat her at oz open quali, I believe.

[Helen40]

New thread as Hev's here this week.

She's playing today:
Not before 12.30 pm French time.
Kristina MLADENOVIC vs Heather WATSON (GBR) [2]

but I can't find the result.

http://ww2.ti.fft.fr/Event.asp?CodeEvent=1011192105&DateProg=2011/11/01

[Jan]

Hev won 7-6(3) 6-2:cheer:

[Maza1987]

I think it might be best, when there is only one British player in a draw, just to keep it to that players thread. But when there are many Brits, like in Barnstaple, it's probably best for a separate thread.:)

[david1610]

Thanks for info. Well done Hev. Thanks for the idea Helen but I agree with Maza and I only came to this thread because I remembered the post saying this was her tourney this week on her forum.
But we all want the best for Heather and she won !

BTW draw with some results here: http://www.itftennis.com/womens/tournaments/drawsheetbyround.asp?tournament=1100025124&event=1100143643

She seems to be playing a Spaniard ranked around 210 or something next, who is 21 years old. Heather is the second seed here - Foretz Garcon is no. 4, the woman she knocked out in the first round at RG earlier in the year. Parmentier, ranked 66, is the no. 1 seed.

[Maza1987]

French fan from TF

I was at the Nantes tournament all day, the Watson- Mladenovic match was just a disaster, no rythm, a lot of errors from Mladenovic, really painful to watch. Watson played well and very regularly all along making almost no mistakes and kristina vaguely fought on the first set and totally disapeared on the second. I was really desappointed.

[Maza1987]

Poster on TF.

"After that I saw the beginning of Watson-Costas Moreira. Watson was crushing her opponent 5-0 when I had to leave. She made a strong impression on me, like yesterday, really calm, she really controls the ball, doesn't make mistake, she does exactly what she wants will taht hold agaisnt a stonger opponent, that's the question."

And she went on to win 60 61.

QF: WATSON, Heather (GBR) 2 89 v BREMOND, Iryna (FRA) 5 101

[karanga]

Well done Heather. Good luck in the quarters. :thumbup: :yahoo:

[david1610]

Well done Heather. This in many ways is the next step, isn't it? Not giving any chance to players she has passed in the rankings or who are not ranked around her. The next match will be tougher as it is somebody ranked close to her, but I hope she can push on. Good luck tomorrow!

[Jan]

great Heather! Keep it up!:cheer:

[david1610]

Managed to find this out . Today: http://ww2.ti.fft.fr/Event.asp?CodeEvent=1011192105&DateProg=2011/11/04
PROGRAMME DU 04/11/2011

Court Central

12.00 noon (Nb. local time)
Iryna BREMOND [5] vs Heather WATSON (GBR) [2]

[patmoren]

Heather is having a good run lately.

[Maza1987]

I hope I come home to good news later today.

[david1610]

I hope I come home to good news later today.
Unfortunately not..
http://ww2.ti.fft.fr/Event.asp?CodeEvent=1011192105&NumDraw=2
Bremond won 6-2 6-4
Wonder if Heather just had one of these days or ....

[Maza1987]

Aww. Shame.
Not really had the strongest of runs since her ankle injury. Might be best to call it for this year and have a good off season.
Don't know if she's entered for any more tournaments.

[david1610]

According to her Facebook page, that was the end of the season!

[Maza1987]

^Thought it would be.

Hope she and her coach Mauricio Hadad have a productive off season.:)

[david1610]

On the whole a good year - she is ranked 92 on the WTA site.
I am still new to following WTA but it seems to me that whether you are ranked 70-100 can depend a lot on getting into the GSs and winning a round or two as the points for this are huge compared to the typical points totals of players at this level.

The person I will be tracking to compare with Heather is Christina McHale, the only other 1992 born player in the top 100, who is a week older than Heather and whom I believe beat Heather in a tight meeting (or two??) this year; she is ranked 42. And Heather is now only the second youngest in the top 100. Her friend, Sloane Stephens (I met both of them together at Estoril and Heather's mum seemed to be doing double mum duty :) ) was born in 1993.

Now Heather will be making more main draws she will of course have different aims for next season.

But for now she has made the top 100 and is certainly match tougher and with so much more big time experience.

Hope it all goes well next year and, indeed, a productive off season :)

[Maza1987]

Just read on the bbc news ticker that she has had to pull out of auckland due to a badly sprained ankle.:(

[Sallydaisy]

Just read on the bbc news ticker that she has had to pull out of auckland due to a badly sprained ankle.:(
Oh no! That's not a good way to start the New Year. Poor Heather!
:sad:

[Jan]

Oh no poor Heather. Let's hope she recovers quickly.

[JAMES4578]

yes she tweeted about it too, just hope it is not too serious.

[Maza1987]

likely that she will drop out of top 100 as she had 86 points to defend from her last year.
but hopefully she can do well in oz.

[Linda]

Oh, sorry to hear that :sad:

[david1610]

Hope she is fully fit for Hobart!

[david1610]

Can't sleep? Heather has just started her 2012 season. LS at http://www.protennislive.com/frameset.asp?year=2012&wkno=2&lang=en&tabno=3&eventid=1050&ref=www.hobartinternational.com.au or follow livescores link from
http://www.hobartinternational.com.au/tickets

[david1610]

Heather just started her 2012 season in Hobart qualifying against the Australian Bojana Bobusic who is ranked about 294
Broken to go 1-2 down.

[greatunclebulgaria]

Heather won 3-6 6-3 7-5

great start to her season

[david1610]

Heather won 3-6 6-3 7-5

great start to her season
The result was. She seemed to start a bit slow in the first set and could not overcome the early disadvantage. On one level the result was a bit tight for an opponent ranked quite a way below her but a bit of rustiness or post-injury adjusting, I suppose.

[karanga]

Well done Heather. :swingin:

Good luck in 2012.

[Jan]

excellent - well done Hev! :cheer:

[Gemmahahaha]

Good stuff - Congrats Heather!

[Maza1987]

Pleased to see She managed to get the win today.
QR1: Heather Watson WR 92 beat (wc) Bojana Bobusic (AUS) WR 241 by 3-6 6-3 7-5

Next up Rogowska wr168.

[david1610]

Pleased to see She managed to get the win today.
QR1: Heather Watson WR 92 beat (wc) Bojana Bobusic (AUS) WR 241 by 3-6 6-3 7-5

Next up Rogowska wr168.
Yes, these are exactly the kind of matches she has to learn to tough out if she wants to consolidate the points earned from last year and then move up the top 100.
In many ways the next few months will be tough as she has that tricky second full year on tour problem of starting with and defending points, while wanting to keep moving up the rankings.
I am really hoping she gets a kind draw (in fact four kind draws presuming she can have a ranking to automatically qualify) at the AO and has a winnable match. Four first round wins in GSs gives invaluable points for somebody ranked around 100 and that would take a lot of pressure off the other tourneys!

[JAMES4578]

Tough match but fab Heather got through,god luck in the next round!

[Maza1987]

A much better performance today against a better player.
:cheer:
Q2: Heather Watson WR 92 beat Olivia Rogowska (AUS) WR 167 by 3 & 2

FQR: Heather Watson WR 92 v (q8) Kristina Barrois (GER) WR 91 (CH 57 )

Gl for tomorrow.:)

[Jan]

well done Heather - hope for more good news in the morning!

[Maza1987]

Yes, these are exactly the kind of matches she has to learn to tough out if she wants to consolidate the points earned from last year and then move up the top 100.
In many ways the next few months will be tough as she has that tricky second full year on tour problem of starting with and defending points, while wanting to keep moving up the rankings.
I am really hoping she gets a kind draw (in fact four kind draws presuming she can have a ranking to automatically qualify) at the AO and has a winnable match. Four first round wins in GSs gives invaluable points for somebody ranked around 100 and that would take a lot of pressure off the other tourneys!

I think it will be a tough first part of the year—she may fall as low as 120 or something, but I'm very confident that, if fit, she can finish top 80 as she has little to defend after Wimby.

[david1610]

I think it will be a tough first part of the year—she may fall as low as 120 or something, but I'm very confident that, if fit, she can finish top 80 as she has little to defend after Wimby.
Thanks for the analysis from the points point of view.
From the player point of view she has to be consistently "pulling rank" to those around her and start to get regular victories against those ranked 50-75 and at the least gain experience in how to beat some of the top fifty, even if it happens less often. Interesting to know what her own realistic target is for this year!

And come on Heather today!

[david1610]

Oprandi one game away from victory in the match on before Heather's today so she should be on court soon. After her on the same court is Elena Baltacha, and after those two it will be time for the British No. 1 Male player....
Heather is playing Barrios btw and at the moment WTA has them down as 91 and 92 respectively. This is exactly the kind of player Heather needs to be beating, so hope it goes well! C'mon Heather!

[david1610]

Heather manages to hold serve with some difficulty - two deuces - in the first game. Hope that is a good sign as she often loses her first service game!
C'mon Heather!

[Maza1987]

Cant believe there is actually a stream for this.
http://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=76996&tv_id=466&tid=26750&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327

not the best qual, but it'll do. lol

[david1610]

Heather manages to hold serve with some difficulty - two deuces - in the first game. Hope that is a good sign as she often loses her first service game!
C'mon Heather!
Just been broken to go down 2-3 She had saved 3 BPs before then. Very close so far and if Heather could just find another gear, could be very good for her! C'mon Heather!

[Maza1987]

3 bps back. hopefully she can take one

[Maza1987]

and she gets the break back immediately.
3*-3.
wish i could hang around but gotta be up early today. hope to wake to good news.:)

[david1610]

Thank you so much for the stream! Not sure I will ever criticise the Wii's graphics any more!!!! At least we can see "one side" of the court.

[Maza1987]

Heather had a bp but did not convert.
*4-4.
Although the picture qual is bad on the stream, I can still make out an ankle strap a la Muzz being worn by Heather.

[david1610]

Oh dear! Was broken again 4-5 and loses first set 4-6
Bit of sleep before Andy..... hope Heather pulls it back!

[Maza1987]

Oww. Lost set 4-6.

Needs to recoup for second. She's right in the match I feel. Off to bed for me.:(

[david1610]

Broken at beginning of second. Opponent seems very aggressive. Coming to the net whenever she can. Must have a lot of weight on shots.
Pity because she also seems inconsistent so Heather might be able to wear her down (she is also 30). Just needs to stay in the match as long as possible and not let it get away from her.

[xenon21]

:( Hev needs to fight back. A beak down too. Off to bed now!

[Alis]

Heather just took the second set.

[Alis]

Phew - Heather managed to take it eventually on a tie break - having squandered a 4-1 lead in the final set. Well done Heather - real determination needed there!

[lankster2003]

Good win for Heather!

[david1610]

Really pleasing news! Two hours and forty eight minutes! Toughed it out! Well done Heather!

[david1610]

She next plays Tsvetana Pironkova, ranked 46. Second on court after Vesnina and Kerber, local start time 11:00 a.m.

[Jan]

well done Heather!

[Maza1987]

Yes, great news to wake up to this morning. Pleased to see she gritted it out.

FQR: Heather Watson WR 92 beat (q8) Kristina Barrois (GER) WR 91 4-6 7-5 7-6(1)

Pironkova will be tough, ranked 46. It would, according to the rankings, be Heather's best ever win if she could do it. But Steven on bt said Heather has already beaten her before once (but has lost comfortably to her as well).

My only worry is that the almost 3 hour match might have taken out a little too much today.

What time is 11am local time over here? I might stay up for a bit if there is a stream.

[Maza1987]

http://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=77198&tv_id=379&tid=26759&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327

Just started.
*Heather went 2-0 down but has re-broken, back to 2*2

*gets broken, but them immediately breaks back again.3*-3

[david1610]

Hope Heather has brought a bodyguard. Last time Pironkova was on court there were fisticuffs....

As she was of course part of the mixed doubles when Mardi Fish and Dimitrov had their bust up.
This will be anticlimatic.
Heather broken again for 2-3 C'mon Heather!
Breaks back 3-3
Now hold!

[david1610]

Heather held to go 4-3.
The stream is not good enough to really judge closely but in that game I got the feeling Heather was making sure she kept the ball in and her opponent seemed to hit a lot of UEs.
Break and hold would be wonderful! C'mon Heather!
BTW to provide a bit more context, Pironhova lost to Wozniaki the world number 1 last week, but too her to three sets!
Now 4-4. C'mon Heather. Hold please!

[Maza1987]

From what I've seen of this match thus far, there is little to suggest that Heather can't win this. Pironkova does not seem to be doing anything stunning. Heather is right with her.

[david1610]

Long rally which Heather loses 5-5 30-40 C'mon Heather!
Then loses. A bit of fatigue? Lack of experience and focus? Bad luck?
Oh well. She has broken her opponents serve before so can do it again! C'mon Heather. You deserve a tie break.

[Maza1987]

frustrating. from 30-0 up at 5-5, she got broken. pironkova serving for set.

*but she breaks back. into a tb we go.

*3-1.

[david1610]

Tiebreak! C'mon Heather. First point please! Yes 1-0!

[Maza1987]

yes. 4-1* up in the tb

now back to 4-4. this is getting nervy

saves two sp's. back to *6-6

sp heather 8*-7

two good points from pironkova swings it 8-9*

[david1610]

Now 4-4 Really big point coming up. C'mon Heather!
Then 4-6 and now 6-6. Not going to say anything this time!
Heather with set point at 8-7, now 8-8.
This is huge now!
Some power hitting to give Pironkova another set point at 9-8 9-9 all change round again!!

[Maza1987]

It's all getting too much for me.lol

[david1610]

It's all getting too much for me.lol
Yes I need to go to bed... just this set... c'mon let's fnish it off HW!
10-11....... Heather won't have had many TBs on the WTA circuit like this, if at all!
That's it ... she lost it 12-10
Unfortunately, yesterday's three hour match might just kick in now. Hope she doesn't get overrun in the second.

[Maza1987]

Heather hits a clean winner down the line to save sp

10*-10

[Maza1987]

loses it 10-12.
oh brother. looks like it's going to have to be another grueler. I'm off to bed, but think Heather really needed to win that set.
gl

[Maza1987]

not gone to bed yet.
heather doing better in the 2nd set, leads 4-2*

Edit. A relatively quick second set which heather takes 6-3. Will serve first in 3rd.

[david1610]

We are a pair!!!!
Heather gets the second set 6-3
Hope she has more in the tank left than Tsvetana Pironkova! C'mon Heather!

[Maza1987]

With serve in final set—2-1*.

[Maza1987]

heather gets what could be a crucial break
4*-2

comon. This would equal her best ever win and get her back into the top 100, i think.

edit. now serving for match at *5-3

*two match points not taken, now facing bp

*oh boy. broken back. 5-4*

*epic hold for heather, had two gps not taken, then saved bp with an overule, then eventually holds. 6-5*.
Going for 2hrs 40 mins now

*into a tb. horrible start 0-3.

[Maza1987]

Oh boy. Goes down in the end 6-7(10) 6-3 6-7 (2).
She had more breaks than her, more total points than her. A set point in the first set. Two match points in the final set..........

I'm off to bed.

[Alis]

Oh dear - what a shame! Thanks for the info Maza.

[david1610]

Pity. But at least she went down fighting. That was 2 hours 53 minutes. So about six hours tennis in two days.
In the long run, great experience. She should know she is ready to take on somebody ranked the forties now.
Now for a kind draw at AO, please!

[Sallydaisy]

Oh dear, poor Heather after battling to get into the main draw. As David says it's good experience and from Maza's report she seems to have been really close to getting a win so hopefully she'll take heart from that. She's a lovely player to watch - I saw her at Edgbaston and she was constantly gee'ing herself up!

[Maza1987]

Via Twitter.

"I lost 67(10) 63 67(2) today. Gutted i lost such a close one but i have had 4 good matches this week and definitely feel that im ready for Melbourne!!"

[david1610]

She was a set down in her first match against an opponent ranked much lower than herself so all in all, whilst she did not achieve a personal best result in terms of the ranking of her opponent, she got some useful points and very useful experience. At least she is putting herself in the mix against stronger opponents and if she keeps on doing so she will start winning her fair share of them, which will advance her further in tournaments and more matches with the top players, and more experience, etc., etc. One issue she could work on perhaps is trying to hold her first service game. I am not sure if she elects to serve is she wins the toss but she might consider receiving and at least taking the pressure of holding in the few minutes of acclimatisation and early nerves.
And so important for the ranking to get a good draw at the AO! Hope she does!

[Linda]

It must have been very upsetting to lose after such a battle :sad:

[david1610]

It must have been very upsetting to lose after such a battle :sad:
But after being injured and having to pull out of her first tournament of the year, and then getting four matches, including coming to close to what would have been the highest ranked player she had beaten, as she says, it is excellent preparation for the AO.
I think Heather is a fighter who is gathering experience that will of course help her develop.

[-J-]

She was a set down in her first match against an opponent ranked much lower than herself so all in all, whilst she did not achieve a personal best result in terms of the ranking of her opponent, she got some useful points and very useful experience. At least she is putting herself in the mix against stronger opponents and if she keeps on doing so she will start winning her fair share of them, which will advance her further in tournaments and more matches with the top players, and more experience, etc., etc. One issue she could work on perhaps is trying to hold her first service game. I am not sure if she elects to serve is she wins the toss but she might consider receiving and at least taking the pressure of holding in the few minutes of acclimatisation and early nerves.
And so important for the ranking to get a good draw at the AO! Hope she does!


But after being injured and having to pull out of her first tournament of the year, and then getting four matches, including coming to close to what would have been the highest ranked player she had beaten, as she says, it is excellent preparation for the AO.
I think Heather is a fighter who is gathering experience that will of course help her develop.i do wish we could make up oor minds about which end of the rankings is high n low :Pirate:

[david1610]

i do wish we could make up oor minds about which end of the rankings is high n low :Pirate:
Her first qualifying match was against an opponent with a much lower ranking and the fourth match, the first round proper, was against somebody ranked much higher. It is a bit confusing to play three matches to get to the first round I know, and sorry if my posts were not clear.

[-J-]

Her first qualifying match was against an opponent with a much lower ranking and the fourth match, the first round proper, was against somebody ranked much higher. It is a bit confusing to play three matches to get to the first round I know, and sorry if my posts were not clear.ah thought you where referring to same player,...... my bad

[Maza1987]

live draw going on right now
Heather v azarenka apparently..

$%"&

[Alis]

live draw going on right now
Heather v azarenka apparently..

$%"&

That's a pity - Hev doesn't have a lot of luck in GS draws does she?

[-J-]

it will be tuff

[Jan]

that could have been so much better - but let's hope Heather can pull off the big upset!

[david1610]

What a pity! A good draw and she could have been right back in the top 100.
Oh well. This is perhaps one for the experience rather than the ranking, but you never know I suppose!

[Maza1987]

Azarenka has just won Sydney.
Perhaps she will be tired?

lol

[david1610]

Azarenka has just won Sydney.
Perhaps she will be tired?

lol
Good point. Let's hope it means that Heather gives her a good match. In the long run, even if she were to lose, as long as she stays fit and fighting and does not have any problems gaining enough points to keep her ranking up,that kind of experience might turn out to be even more beneficial in the long term. From the Laura thread I was led to articles on Melanie Oudin, and because of Portugal being an opponent in the Fed Cup, I was thinking about Larcher (Screecher) de Brito recently, and how dangerous for the long-term career it can be for some young players if they do too well too soon, so in the big picture it is not all bad getting these top seeds, as long as it can be turned into something positive!

[Jan]

An inspired Heather could give Azarenka a run for her money.

[Maza1987]

Heahter is first on RLA at 11am Aus time, which I think is midnight Sunday our time. Great timing for me, will stay up. Hopefully it's live on Eurosport so I don't have to look for streams.

[david1610]

Heahter is first on RLA at 11am Aus time, which I think is midnight Sunday our time. Great timing for me, will stay up. Hopefully it's live on Eurosport so I don't have to look for streams.
Or, to put it another way, she is playing in the opening match of the 2012 AO (main draw) on the show court!!!!

[Maza1987]

Really excited about tonight.
Midnight tennis with cocoa!

I won't be around, as I'll be planted in front of my t.v. Hopefully Heather manages to keep it close. Can't allow these big name players to get away to a quick start otherwise it's over before it begins.

[lankster2003]

Really excited about tonight.
Midnight tennis with cocoa!

I won't be around, as I'll be planted in front of my t.v. Hopefully Heather manages to keep it close. Can't allow these big name players to get away to a quick start otherwise it's over before it begins.

Sleep is for the weak, or in my case, sleep is to be had earlier ;)

[Jan]

Then I'm guilty of weakness! If I can't sleep I'll try and catch the scores, but I'm hoping I do sleep - can't function well without it. Come on Heather!!!

[supergran]

I'll be in front of my TV also. Come on Heather!!!:cheer::cheer:

[greatunclebulgaria]

not long now can't wait

will be running between the t.v and here for livescores for James Ward

[xenon21]

Hev is 6-1 down :( Started off good but Vika stepped it up and is playing really well

[david1610]

What? The OOP on the site by Sally said it was starting at 1:00 Aaaaagh!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

What? The OOP on the site by Sally said it was starting at 1:00 Aaaaagh!!!!
David - if you mean my post in locked thread I put 00.01 which is 1 minute past midnight ...
http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?562-AUSTRALIAN-OPEN-GRAND-SLAM-16-29-Jan-2012-Tournament-information-all-draws-and-daily-OOP.&p=31501&viewfull=1#post31501

[david1610]

Oh sorry, my misread. Was not expecting something like that.
Well having watched four games, Heather is unfortunately reminding me a bit of when Elena got creamed by Safin's sister - rabbit in the headlights - well, make that sunlight.

She seems to be trying too hard and hitting the ball way to the left or the right.
Oh well, at least she is getting some experience of playing on the main court. Hope she can turn this into something positive.

[lankster2003]

Hev is getting it seriously handed to her by Vika, who is playing rather awesomely!!!!

[david1610]

And Heather loses 1-6 0-6. Oh well, there you go.

Sally, not sure out of the hundreds and hundreds of match times you have put up here whether you have ever put a 0.01 time before! I got up in the middle of the night to see Heather's last match and was basing today around the start of this match. At least now I know to look more carefully at match times!

[Sallydaisy]

It was mostly put like that so's people didn't get confused over whether it was midnight Sunday or Monday ...
;)

[KnightOwl]

That's fairly standard practise, for example most airlines never have a flight that departs at exactly midnight for that very reason...

[david1610]

Never mind. What is going on in Heather's head is a lot more important, particularly if she makes the experience positive.

[JAMES4578]

Just hope Heather will learn from the experience and it's not too demoralising. Vuika was tough but she made too many unforced errors and the serve hampered her often.

[Jan]

Shame for Heather, but I guess the upset was just a bit much to hope for.

[Maza1987]

Sheeesh. My worst fear came true. Credit to Vika, she is my fav' for the tourny after Kvitiova.

Heather obviously doesn't have the offensive weapons like Vika, so she needed to not at least give away freebies. But unfortunately she did, and that combined with the stunning play by her opponent compounded the scoreline. Although you could say it was because her opponent was playing so well that she felt under more pressure, and hence the errors. Either way, kudos Azarenka.

Hopefully Heather can rest up now and prep for the Fed cup.

[Maza1987]

What? The OOP on the site by Sally said it was starting at 1:00 Aaaaagh!!!!

:doh: hehe. An easy mistake. However, I did write it would be starting at midnight a few posts back which you hit the thanks button for, so I presume you knew. :(

[david1610]

:doh: hehe. An easy mistake. However, I did write it would be starting at midnight a few posts back which you hit the thanks button for, so I presume you knew. :(
Never mind. So much work at the moment I should not even be watching what I am watching. The encouraging sign in the second set (did not see the first) is that there were points which she won when BOTH of them played the point well. So there is potential. Just a case of turning two points into three consecutive points, then a hold, then a break, etc. But at least it was occasionally happening at the point level. Which at least is a start.

Oh so wish she had drawn Foretz Gacon, whom she beat in Paris, and not Elena Baltacha. A couple of GS first rounds like that and she is easily in the top 100.

PS She has to get a world class coach to work on her serve and if she wins the toss she should elect to receive IMHO.

[Maza1987]

So I see Sharapova only managed two more games against Vika than Heather did.*coughs*

[Jan]

So I see Sharapova only managed two more games against Vika than Heather did.*coughs*
Yes! :thumbup:

[Maza1987]

Is playing in Thailand this week and has drawn Vania King. She playing very well of late, so will be difficult.

[JAMES4578]

Yes it willl be tough but let's hope Heather rises to the challenge!

[Maza1987]

Went down 4-6 2-6.

Don't know where she is playing next.

[JAMES4578]

Bad luck Heather, but she was up against it.

[Maza1987]

Heather has just started her 1qr of Doha against Klaudia Jans-Ignaci, primarily a dubs player.
Heather really should win this. She has 80 points to defend this week.

LS
http://www.protennislive.com/frameset.asp?year=2012&wkno=7&lang=en&tabno=1&eventid=0573&ref=www.atpworldtour.com

Currently 2-2

[Maza1987]

Won 62 61
Will play Anne or Laura next. Either would be exciting.

[Jan]

Heather and Anne playing. 4-4 in the first set

[Maza1987]

Heather playing Anne right now.
Was 1-4 down, now back to 4-4.

[Jan]

Anne wins 6-4 6-4

[Maza1987]

Lasted about 2 hours.
A good effort. But not enough holds.
I think Heather is playing Memphis next ws 20th.

[Maza1987]

First round of Memphis, Heather has drawn Sofia Arvidson WR 79.
This is a potential Fed cup match up.

[david1610]

First round of Memphis, Heather has drawn Sofia Arvidson WR 79.
This is a potential Fed cup match up.
Yes... that gives it a lot more spice!
Hope also she can get the win... she needs to start finding a way to get some Ws. In a way, harder to be around 100 and draw somebody immediately in the top 100 than qualifying and almost working up to that level.... just hope, as the Americans would say (stand to be corrected), she gets that sophomore year on track....

[Maza1987]

yeh, she does need to get some points going this year.
'sophmore slump'?

Should be playing later tonight.

[Sallydaisy]

Heather's match is up on livescore now v Arvidsson.
Bally up against Krajicek.

http://www.protennislive.com/frameset.asp?year=2012&wkno=8&lang=en&tabno=2&eventid=m003&ref=www.atpworldtour.com/

[Maza1987]

lost 2-6 3-6.
needs to get some wins this year.

[JAMES4578]

Yes, it was disappointing Heather wasn't at least a bit closer, but hopefully she can get a few wins soon.

[david1610]

At least she won her doubles match and will get some more match play.
Yes, just as winning can become a habit, so can losing, and I hope her confidence is not suffering.

[Sallydaisy]

Watson/Woehr up on livescore v Dushevina/Govortsova in their R2 doubles.

[david1610]

Unfortunately 4-6 0-6
Hope the bagel does not mean someone was carrying an injury. Also hope there was something postive for Heather in the match.
Her partner is also a doubles specialist with a doubles ranking of 58 so the result is a bit strange. Oh well...

[Maza1987]

well it was the no.2 seeds. doubles can also be a bit strange sometimes.

anyway, on to the next tourny--indian wells qualifying in a couple of weeks.

[Maza1987]

First qualy round of Indian Wells today.
WATSON, Heather (GBR) 122 v WOZNIAK, Aleksandra (CAN) 6 80

Heather needs some wins at the moment but that will be tough in these big tournies. She is entered for a 25k week starting 12th march. That may be a better bet for her to start picking up the wins again. Still, hopefully she can cause the upset against Wozniak.

[supergran]

Let's hope so but could be difficult. Good luck Heather.

[Jan]

tough draw for Heather. Guess it will be in the middle of our night.

edit - just discovered Heather is on at 6pm UK time - very civilised (followed by Laura)

[Jan]

Heather just lost the first set 6-4. The last game was a bit of a marathon!
Good to see Heather being competitive (well, as much as you can see that on ls!). All to play for. Come on Heather!

[Maza1987]

Yeh, it's been reasonably close thus far.
She has two bps in the 2nd to go 4-2 up.

[Maza1987]

Not taken.
1/7 bps taken in the 2nd set so far.

Edit: More bps not taken in the next and then broken.

1/10 bps in the 2nd set alone.

[Maza1987]

Lost 4-6 4-6.
Way too many chances not taken.

[Jan]

oh shame. Major pc trauma here (well, actually, death), so I've only just been able to come and see result using my husband's work laptop.

[david1610]

Oh dear. Needs to get a good W and some confidence soon!

[JAMES4578]

Really a bit frustrating for Heather!

[Maza1987]

Is playing in Clearwater USA 25k this week.
R1: WATSON, Heather (GBR) 5 123 v PUCHKOVA, Olga (RUS) Q 187

Puchkova was top 40 quite a few years ago, but Heather should have the beating of her. Hoping for some wins this week.

[Jan]

Hev got first set 6-4 :cheer: (I didn't realise it was on so early!)

[Jan]

Hev wins 6-4 6-4 :cheer: :cheer:

[Maza1987]

Hev got first set 6-4 :cheer: (I didn't realise it was on so early!)

Me neither. The match started pretty much as soon as I posted the preview. Anyway, she really needed that win. She is defending 46 points she won is Nassau this time last year.

[david1610]

Phew! Hope it is the start of a run with some points!

[Jan]

apparently Heather won 6-2 6-3 against Lim today (from british tennis forum) :cheer::cheer:

[Maza1987]

Great stuff. :)

[Jan]

yes - it's great to see her putting consecutive wins together!

[Maza1987]

First on at 2pm gmt against Zhang.

Also into dubs semi with Naomi Broady.

[Maza1987]

she went down 62 61 or to zhang.
but managed to reach dubs final with naomi.

[JAMES4578]

A disappointing scoreline in the singles but good Heather got a few wins under her belt!

[david1610]

And thinking about the next Fed Cup tie, and with Judy likely to keep the same strategy of resting the singles players in the doubles - unless she adopts a different strategy in a one-off tie (which I hope she does not as it will weaken the team spirit), the doubles success is even more important!

[Maza1987]

The dubs final should be today sometime.
I don't know whether Heather has ever won a professional dubs title before.

[Jan]

They've just started the final. Score is up on bet365 if anyone's interested.

[david1610]

Heather currently having a VERY exciting match against Sorana Cirstea 6-3 3-6 and 6-6 playing third set tiebreak.

Heather had 4-2 but after double fault back to 4-4
Now 5-4 Heather Cirstea to serve 6-4 two match points
Heather does it! She wins!!! :)

Context: Heather got a wild card into Miami (ex-Florida Nick student anything to do with that?) and Cirstea is ranked 48!First round proper of Miami. Must be one of Heather's best ever wins!

[Jan]

yes - just brilliant from Heather!! :mexican:

[Maza1987]

I left with to go to the supermarket when Heather was 5-0 down and resigned myself to the loss. Checked in the supermarket queue on my mobile and couldn't believe it.
Let out a little yelp to go with a small fist pumping motion! Lol at the look on the person's face in front of me.


Get in there!

[Maza1987]

This equals Heather's best ever win in terms of opponents ranking—48.

Megahitter Lucy Safarova up next.

[Sallydaisy]

Megahitter Lucy Safarova up next.
I think Heather likes a challenge ........
;)

I went to Edgbaston last year and watched Heather in action. She was down and looking out and really fought back for every point. Good to watch and good to see such determination.

Apparently there's a mini-battle going on in Miami for who'll be British #3 - Laura or Heather.
From Steven (@GBtennis) on twitter:

Miami: I know it's a sideshow, but suddenly we have a little battle for GB no 3 again. Running scores Hev 567, Laura 562 (both about WR 120)

[Maza1987]

Full interview on the beeb
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/17455627

[Maza1987]

Match v safarova starts approx 6pm tonight.

[Sallydaisy]

Heathers match has just started against Safarova; so far it's a hold of serve for Hev so 1-0 for the Brit.

[Maza1987]

http://www.protennislive.com/frameset.asp?year=2012&wkno=12&lang=en&tabno=1&eventid=M007&ref=www.wtatennis.com

match just started.
heather breaks
*2-0

#must stay calm# lol

[-J-]

2-0 now

[MurrayAOne]

Come on Heather!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alis]

Heather 3-0 up - go Heather!!!!

[Maza1987]

4-1*

http://youtu.be/M5Z4vIgb1mE

[Maza1987]

has missed bps to go 5-1

[Sallydaisy]

Hev holds though to go 5-2 and Safarova to serve to stay in the set.

[Sallydaisy]

Nice one! She broke Lucie again to take the first set 6'2 and serve first in the 2nd.
:clap:

[david1610]

Heather has won the first set 6-2! Hope she can hold on. This would be massive!!!!!

[Katie]

I really hope Heather can keep this level up! She's doing so well. :)

[Maza1987]

take first set 6-2

5/5 bps saved thus far.

keep going

[Sallydaisy]

Ugh! Broken in the first game after a number of Ad points to both of them.
Go Hev!

[Maza1987]

immediate bp chance not taken.
heather seems to be getting into the majority of safarova's service games even though she's serving 75%

[JAMES4578]

Fab first set for Heather, hopefully she can get back on track here!

[Maza1987]

breaks back....

2-1*

[JAMES4578]

Breaks again for 3-1, keep going Heather!

[Jan]

oh yes come on Heather!!!

[Maza1987]

‏ @Mike_Dickson_
Heather Watson leads 62 v Safarova. She's moving beautifully in the heat and Saffer is worried, tanked last game of set.

@simonrbriggs
Heather Watson returning serve like a champion against world No.25 Lucie Safarova on Court 3, just took first set 6-2. Would be a huge win

@Neil Harman
Superb set of tennis from Heather Watson, 6-2 v. Safarova. Halfway to an excellent win

@NeilHarmanTimes
Heather Watson, returning superbly and cranking winners off the ground, breaks Safarova to lead 3-1 in the 2nd

Omg. It could be time to really start thinking she might pull off the biggest win of her career!

[Jan]

would be brilliant! - but don't start counting those chickens yet!

4-1 :)

[Maza1987]

@mike dickson
Heather Watson is playing a fine match, aces her way out of trouble to lead 62 41 v world no. 25 Safarova.

[Alis]

Can't believe how well Heather is playing - come on girl!!!!!

[Jan]

serving for the match at 5-1!! Come on!!

[-J-]

GSM Heather Watson 6-2 6-1

[Jan]

YEEEEESSSSSS!!:mexican:
fantastic win for Heather!! well done!!

[Maza1987]

'ave some of that!

[JAMES4578]

Incredible scoreline and awesome for Heather, well done!:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Alis]

:cheer::cheer::cheer: Yey Heather - well done that girl!!!!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Maza1987]

best ever win, surely.

[Sallydaisy]

Hevtastic!!!!!
:yahoo:

[david1610]

Matches like these can often be turning points in careers!!!!! :)

[Maza1987]

kraijeck was serving for the 2nd set against azarenka but vika quickly restored order, back on serve.

hopefully heather can make it a bit closer this time against her.

[Jan]

yes 'twill be Vika next for Hev

[Maza1987]

right.
looks like it's down to heather to stop the 25 match win streak. :)

[Jan]

no problem!!!! :tennis:

[JAMES4578]

Will be tough obviously but sure Heather can put up more of a fight this time!

[Katie]

Fantastic win for Heather! :cheer: Shame she's got Vika next but it's all good experience.

[Maza1987]

helen parish has already updated her table of best ever british wins.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_GB&key=0AsZFvfU3lw0zdG5zOVFKVDk1LTdUUk15UTh2WW11aEE&hl=en_GB&gid=0

[Maza1987]

R3 (L32) : (1) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) WR 1 vs (WC) Heather Watson WR 129

I also think we should point out that, seeing as Eurosport's coverage starts on Sunday, this has a very good chance of being televised.

[Elenive]

Another Brit through! :cheer:

V. Hard match for her next... :sofa:

[Linda]

Fantastic win for Heather! :cheer: :cheer:

But was there anything wrong with Safarova?

[Maza1987]

Fantastic win for Heather! :cheer: :cheer:

But was there anything wrong with Safarova?

As far as I'm aware, she was fine. But her play can be the epitome of profligacy.

[Maza1987]

She plays on the stadium court at 7.30pm (12.30am GMT) tonight/monday morning. Eurosport's coverage finishes at 11.45pm so I don't know whether they will extend their coverage.

[Elenive]

Looking forward to this one. Hope Heather can take at least a set of her :) (although if I'm being realistic it should be a straight set loss :sad:)

[david1610]

I will be happy if Heather keeps her honest and Heather comes off court feeling she deserves to be playing top players on a regular basis. The only thing I do not want is her blown completely off court. She will certainly have to have a good serving day!

[Jan]

hmm in the middle of the night. Hope Heather gives a good account of herself :thumbup:

[Maza1987]

Can't stay up as I got the early shift tomorrow.

I, too, hope that she gets into some good rallies and extends each set. Perhaps 8 games or so if it's 2 sets. Azarenka has been 'murdering' players' 2nd serves and Heather already has a attackable 2nd, so will definitely need to limit how many looks Vika gets.

[Maza1987]

Doing the early shift now.

She went down 6-0 6-2.

I knew there was a risk of that type of scoreline against Azarenka. But she needs to make sure it does not affect her confidence.

[JAMES4578]

Disappointing Heather couldn't make more of an impact,but obviously tough playing Vika right now. I'm sure Heather can build on this week.

[hfwardhouse]

Poor Heather - but she can be very pleased with what she's achieved this week - hopefully she won't be too downhearted - I'm sure Judy will have been giving her lots of encouragement.

[Katie]

Sorry that Heather lost by that scoreline but hope she's not too disappointed. Azarenka's been beating even top players by similar scorelines. Hopefully she'll take the many positives from this week - she's making very good progress for someone her age.

[Jan]

no disgrace losing to Vika. A great tournament for Heather and some nice points in the bag! :thumbup:

[Maza1987]

Sorry that Heather lost by that scoreline but hope she's not too disappointed. Azarenka's been beating even top players by similar scorelines. Hopefully she'll take the many positives from this week - she's making very good progress for someone her age.

True. She beat Radwanska 60 62 in Dubai as well.

Her ranking should go back to 115 or so.

[Maza1987]

Didn't think she was entered into any tournies for a while but she must've gotten a late qwc for Family Circle Open--on clay courts--where she faces Melanie Oudin who has slumped down the rankings of late.

Play starts at approximately 7pm GMT tonight.

[Maza1987]

http://www.protennislive.com/frameset.asp?year=2012&wkno=14&lang=en&tabno=1&eventid=0804&ref=www.wtatennis.com

just started, ls above.

[-J-]

oudin 6-41st set

[Maza1987]

not good start
needs to pick it up for the 2nd

edit; and she has been doing so, 5-0*

[JAMES4578]

Heather takes the 2nd 6-1, let's hope she can keep the momentum going! Unfortunately now down 4-2 in the 3rd, come on! Heather broke back but lost serve again at 4-5 sadly to go down to Oudin.:crying::crying:

[Maza1987]

she won 91 points to oudin's 90.

oh well.
next clay court tourny then.

[Jan]

what a pity :sad:

[david1610]

If any loss can be, that is a good loss!