WAT A WAY TO BOOST MORALE

HEATHER WATSON declared herself ready for Wimbledon after a morale-boosting week at Eastbourne.

Watson’s Aegon International run and bid to become the first British finalist since 1976 ended as a near miss as she came up short in the semis against Caroline Wozniacki.

But, after a disappointing year, the British No.2 has warmed up for Wimbledon with a confidence-lifting few days at Devonshire Park.

Watson overcame the higher-ranked trio of defending champion world No.9 Dominika Cibulkova, No.17 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and then No.23 Barbora Strycova before succumbing to Wozniacki 6-2 3-6 7-5 in a topsy-turvy last-four match.

Watson (above right, with Wozniacki) said: “It’s been a good week. I’m feeling ready for Wimbledon.

“I’ve had lots of court time. I’m feeling great about my game and got some great match wins under my belt this week. I’m feeling confident going into next week.

“I’m feeling optimistic, feeling great within myself. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Wozniacki meets Karolina Pliskova in today’s final, while Watson faces Belgian Maryna Zanevska in Wimbledon’s first round next week.