Paris 2024: Heather Watson determined to outdo London 2012 Olympic memories after first-round Wimbledon exit
Published 01/07/2024 at 21:32 GMT+1
Heather Watson already has one eye on her landmark appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The 32-year-old suffered a first-round defeat to Greet Minnen at Wimbledon, but afterwards was already looking forward to a record fourth appearance at the Olympics. Watson will partner with British No. 1 Katie Boulter to compete in the women's doubles at Paris 2024.
Alcaraz on Wimbledon title defence, Sinner, and wanting to be a 'legend'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Heather Watson is determined to outdo her memories of London 2012 when she competes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer, despite a first-round singles defeat at Wimbledon.
Watson's place at an historic fourth Olympics, the most for any female British tennis player, was confirmed as she stepped out on Court 18 for her tie against Belgian Greet Minnen.
The Guernsey native battled hard through a topsy-turvy first set in which Watson broke her opponent three times, was 4-1 down at one stage and eventually lost 7-5.
Minnen then sealed the victory by winning the second set 6-4.
Watson will team up with Minnen in doubles action later this week at Wimbledon, before she joins forces with British No. 1 Katie Boulter in Paris in a few weeks' time.
And the 32-year-old Watson revealed she already has one eye on her landmark appearance in British colours in the French capital next month.
She said: "I'm so happy, this will be my fourth Olympic Games, it was a huge goal of mine this last year.
"It's very special to share it with Katie and play doubles with her there, we get along super well.
"I'll just lap it all up, take in the experience, so far nothing has beat London 2012, hopefully this is a good one.
"We played a couple times, once years ago on the grass, then just recently at Roland-Garros, she's such a good energy, lovely person to be around, and a good friend of mine."
Watson reached the second round in the women's singles at the London 2012 Olympics, losing to Maria Kirilenko after a first-round victory against Silvia Soler Espinosa.
She also suffered disappointment in the women's doubles with Laura Robson, crashing out in the first round after a defeat to Angelique Kerber and Sabine Lisicki.
- Watson joins Murray, Boulter, Evans in Team GB's Olympic tennis squad
- Raducanu on England 'winning ugly' at Euro 2024 after opening victory at Wimbledon
- Murray to make decision on Monday over Wimbledon singles as he seeks 'a bit of closure'
Watson's campaign at Wimbledon is not yet over, as she and Minnen turn from foes to friends on Wednesday for their doubles match with American pair Sofia Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
It is approaching eight years since Watson doubled up with Henri Kontinen for mixed doubles glory at Wimbledon in 2016 and, at her 13th Championships, is determined to put her singles exit behind her.
She said: "Greet started the match very hot, she was playing super aggressive, she didn't really allow me a chance to get in and get any rhythm.
"I felt like I really suffered on my serve today, usually it's something I can really rely on and I get a few free points, especially on the grass. Even still I felt like I had my chances, especially in that first set.
"I love her [Minnen] as a doubles partner as well and I can't wait to be on the same side of the court with her. I don't think of the individual that I have to play but more the ball that they hit.
"I find it quite easy to separate it, I just wanted to play my tennis and compete, whoever that was against."
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement