RAW AMBITION

Watson feels she’s an underachiever as battle ends in heartbreak

TWO YEARS ago Heather Watson’s third round defeat to Serena Willams was a brave and heroic failure.

Now, Watson feels like she is “underachieving” getting to the same stage.

History repeated itself on Centre Court as Watson gave her big name opponent, former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka, a real scare in a roller-coaster three-setter – just as she did in her thrilling epic with Williams in 2015.

This was Watson’s fourth appearance in a Grand Slam third round.

But her wait to reach the second week of a major goes on after Azarenka eventually ground down British No.3 Watson 3-6 6-1 6-4.

Watson said: “I was very upset after that match, to lose that one.

“Just felt like I’d fallen at the same hurdle again. It hurt a lot.

“I’ve gotten to the third round quite a few times now in different slams. I really wanted to make that push for second week for my singles.

“I felt great on court. I’m enjoying it, playing really well. I thought.. well, I gave myself a chance today, and I was sad that I couldn’t take it.

“The first few times I’d gotten to the third round, I was pleased with myself that I’d done well.

“Now I kind of expect myself. I’ve been around a while. I know how well I can play. I feel like I’m under-achieving.”

Watson’s defeat was not without a bit of controversy.

TV commentator Kim Clijsters claimed Azarenka received coaching during the match, an accusation the Belarusian denied and that Watson insisted she wasn’t aware of.

Azarenka said: “I honestly don’t know what people are talking about. I’m one of the players who rarely actually looks at the box.”

Watson was also frustrated when she was refused a chance to challenge an Azarenka ace (below) that set up her match point. One consolation for Watson was a few hours after seeing her singles dreams dashed by Azarenka she beat her in the mixed doubles, a title she and Finnish partner Henri Kontinen won last year. Watson said: “I definitely didn’t want to lose to her twice in one day, so I was very pleased to finish on a good note.”

Watson and Kontinen had a 6-3 6-4 win over Azarenka and Nenad Zimonjic.