WAT A MESS

Heather hits out at LTA after joining fellow Brits in making 1st-round exit

HEATHER WATSON slammed the state of British tennis and the non-existent “next generation” after all six singles players lost in the first round of the French Open.

“I don’t really see who’s next,” said the British No.2 “I don’t see who’s going to be top 50.”

Watson joined Andy Murray, Jo Konta, Dan Evans, Liam Broady and Cam Norrie in saying au revoir to Roland- Garros before 6pm on the third day.

The Paris six won five sets between them to complete a nightmare Grand Slam season, which saw Wimbledon cancelled and Brits win only nine singles matches in the three overseas Majors.

Murray’s outstanding exploits have papered over the cracks since the last time no British player won a singles match at the 2013 French Open. But Watson claimed the LTA is squandering the millions gifted by the All England Club each year – and is failing to produce future stars.

“I feel like we’ve got a good little group of players, but it is little,” she said. “For me, as far as the next generation goes, Jo is 29, I’m 28, Evo is 30, Norrie is young.

“Apart from that, I don’t see who’s next. I don’t see who’s going to be top 50.” Former US junior champ

Watson has previo u s ly been critical of the work ethic of young players. “What younger players?” she asked. “I don’t have anyone to talk about.”

The LTA, which was given more than £50million by the All England Club last year, has set up two academies in Loughborough and Stirling to hothouse a small band of teenagers. “I think more

players need to get help rather than just helping your selected players,” added Watson.

“That way you’re not spoiled and not given everything at a young age. You need to work for it, learn the grind and the hard work of the tour.”

While there are three British men in the top 100 with Murray just outside, world No.13 Konta and world No.56 Watson are the only women in the top 150.

“It’s the best sport for female athletes,” she said.

“Nine of the top-10 highest paid athletes in the world are all tennis on Forbes. I think we do have to get that message across.”

Watson, who has not won a match since claiming her fourth WTA title in Acapulco in February, lost 7-6 6-4 to world No.49 Fiona Ferro of France.

“That’s life,” she said.