Heather Watson photo courtesy of Dunlop
WIMBLEDON – Heather Watson became the first British woman since 2002 to reach the third round of Wimbledon on Tuesday defeating American Jamie Lee Hampton of the United States 6-1, 6-4 on Wednesday.
“I was pleased with how I started the match, said the 20-year-old Watson. “I wanted to come on playing well from the first point and not give anything away. That’s what I did.
“I think Jamie started a bit slower, but really picked up her game in the second set. It was a real battle in that second set physically and mentally.â€
Watson did not know that she is the first British woman to make the third round in 10 years,
“I was completely unaware,†said Watson. “I don’t really look or think about things like that. I just focus on myself and my next match.
“But as soon as I come off the court, everybody seems to let me know all the previous stats. I’ve been told about five times already,†she said smiling.
After an easy first set, Watson and Hampton exchanged multiple breaks in the seCond. “Well, I started off good, playing well in the first set, and in the second set I was prepared for her to step up her game because I know she can play better than she did,†the Brit noted.
“In the first set she was giving me a few free points. Jamie is a great player. She hits the ball very hard. She got me more on the back foot.
“In the first set I was dictating play more. She was playing the big points well and making life quite tough for me.â€
In the stands cheering was Watson was Judy Murray, Great Britain’s Fed Cup captain (As well as the mother of Andy Murray and Jamie Murray) and Watson is a member team.
“Judy is great,†Watson said.  “ All the British girls are very close to her. She’s always supporting us, coming out on our practice courts. She really does extra. She’s there when she doesn’t have to be. It’s great to have her there supporting us.â€
Watson will play either Elena Vesnina or third seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the third round.