Watson sharpens her blades for Azarenka
HEATHER WATSON and her coach Morgan Phillips were having a chat when one proposed a bet to the other. ‘Get to the second week of Wimbledon,’ Phillips said, ‘and I’ll shave
my head.’ Watson declined the wager, worried that he would get in trouble with his girlfriend. They settled on his legs instead. With the British No 2 in such fearless form, having beaten four top-25 players in just over a week, the razors are ready. Watson had all the answers against 18th seed Anastasija Sevastova yesterday as she won 6-0, 6-4. Now the next question: how far can this wave of confidence take her at Wimbledon? She has ridden it to the third round, where two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka awaits. Win that and the 25-year-old will be here for week two. Those on Court No 2 barely had time to let their sunscreen soak in before Watson was a set up inside 19 minutes against the world No19. Though the first set showed her superiority, it was the way she handled the second that was impressive. Watson was broken twice, but fought back for the win against the Latvian and celebrated by clenching her fist like someone who knows she is the one to beat.
‘Making second week would be huge,’ said Watson. ‘I made those big goals years ago. I haven’t done it before in singles. And if I do, my coach said he’d shave his head, but I said: “No, your girlfriend will kill you. You can shave your legs”.’
Watson reached the third round in 2012, then again in 2015 when she went within two points of shocking Serena Williams.
She suffered ropey results after SW19 last year, but is now working with Phillips and Colin Beecher, a coaching team who have helped her turn a corner.
As for Azarenka, this is her first Grand Slam since giving birth in December.
‘Vika is an incredible player and person,’ Watson said of the former world No 1. ‘I really respect how hard she works.’
Azarenka saw off Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-3 yesterday and she insists she will approach the match with Watson like any other.
‘She is a great player,’ said Azarenka. ‘It looks like she feels really comfortable. To me, it’s just another match.’
NEXT UP... A PLAYER WHO REALLY FEELS THE COLD!