PARTNER THINKS BIG FOR WATSON

HEATHER WATSON is not looking too far ahead in the defence of her Wimbledon mixed doubles title, but Finnish partner Henri Kontinen already knows where he will display the trophy. The champions beat No 4 seeds Ivan Dodig and Sania Mirza 7-6, 6-4 yesterday to reach the quarter-finals. Asked if they dreamed of retaining the title, Watson said: ‘We don’t really think like that. Well, I don’t . . . ’ But Kontinen chipped in: ‘I’ve got a spot for the trophy at home.’ The pair’s rapport is clearly a big factor in their success on court. ‘Last year was one of the best days of my life,’ recalled Watson. ‘It was perfect. I remember waking up and thinking, “I can’t wait to win Wimbledon today”. There was no doubt in my mind.’ Watson and Kontinen now face 10th seeds Rohan Bopanna of India and Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.