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This year, Heather Watson returns to Wimbledon for her 15th consecutive season. A seasoned professional, Watson's resumé is stacked with accolades — a gold medal at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games; the US Open junior singles title in 2009; a British number one ranking from 2012 until 2015; a mixed doubles win at Wimbledon in 2016 and followed by a second place finish the next year; a total of nine titles over the course of her career.
She entered this year's tournament as a wildcard. “I just feel very honoured and privileged to get an opportunity to play yet another Wimbledon main draw,” she says. Sadly, her campaign has already come to an end, following a first round defeat to Denmark's Clara Tauson, the 23rd seed. However, Watson's doubles campaign alongside fellow Brit Emma Appleton is set to commence later today.
Prior to her 15th trip to the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Watson joined Andy Murray's mother and coach Judy Murray and American player Amanda Anismimova for a tennis clinic for young girls as part of the WTA's Come Play Initiative. The initiative works on a global scale to bring necessary funding, mentorship and resources to young girls from all backgrounds. The Come Play initiative is, Watson says, “something I want to continue to do and to give back in that way post-career — because I'm so passionate about it.”
But Heather Watson has no plans to retire yet. We caught up with her ahead of Wimbledon to chat about her career so far, her experiences and challenges as a woman in sport, and how she's paving the way for the next generation of tennis players.
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Hi Heather, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. How are you enjoying the grass court season so far?
I would say the grass season is treating me very well. I've had a lot of matches on the grass this this year, and I'm feeling really good and positive about my game on it. I had a great week in Queens with some really good wins there. And I just feel very honoured and privileged to get an opportunity to play yet another Wimbledon main draw. I'm so grateful to the club for giving me that opportunity, and I'm just taking it all in my stride and enjoying every single moment that I get to be a part of this tournament again.
Looking back over your career so far, what have been some defining moments for you?
The moments in my career that stand out the most would be definitely my WTA titles and being part of four Olympic Games and representing my country. But to be honest, the bit that stands out to me is just the day-to-day training with my coaches and my people and the support of my family and friends — the journey really. Because without all of that, I'd never get to those amazing places.
You've become known for your doubles wins over the past few years. Could you talk a bit about how you navigate your partnerships with other players as a doubles player?
A great doubles partnership [always has to have] a good match up in game style. But first and foremost, I think it, for me, personally, it's good chemistry and being the best partner you can be by supporting your partner, staying positive and bringing lots of energy to the team.
A true sporting icon.
What are some of the challenges you come up against as a sportswoman in the public eye?
I would have to say that the toughest part of being a woman in the public eye in sport is just having to deal with my cycle. I'm probably saying that because it's my time right now. But dealing with not feeling good physically or mentally — and having to go out there and pretend I'm okay when I'm really not. And nobody knows how you feel. Also the pressures of wanting a family one day — the time pressure of that. Knowing I can't wait forever and [knowing that] if you want a family, you have to stop your career at some point.
What does being a role model mean to you?
If people view me as a role model, I think that is such a privilege. Any young woman navigating the world of tennis — if they wanted advice from me, I would be absolutely honoured to help them and try to share my experiences and my knowledge with them.
What advice would you pass onto young female tennis players getting started?
I would say the most important thing is to enjoy it. And secondly, just keep going — if you have one step back, if you have two steps back, it doesn't matter, because that's part of tennis. I think the biggest part of the battle is just staying there — just continuing and carrying on, no matter how many times you get knocked down, just keep on getting back up. And surround yourself with good people and positive people who believe in you — people who build you up, who build your confidence, your self-esteem, your belief.
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Why is the Come Play initiative important to you?
I absolutely love getting involved with the Come Play events with Morgan Stanley and the WTA. It's a really big passion of mine to get involved with young people — particularly girls and [people] from under-served communities — and to try and get them involved in tennis and involved in sport in general. Because I know how much it's given me in my life. It's brought me so much joy, independence, friends, happiness, health, and I want to share that with them. It's something I want to continue to do and to give back in that way post-career — because I'm so passionate about it.
