Heather Watson has given her Olympic hopes a boost after defeating Nicole Gibbs in the first round of the French Open.
The British No.2 has to contend with poor weather conditions disrupting her opening match at Roland Garros as she battled to a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, victory. The win takes Watson into the second round of the event for the fifth time in her career.
Watson is also on the verge of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. A loss in France would have resulted in her falling outside the top 56 in the world. Only the top-56 players in the world are eligible for the Olympic Games and Watson is currently ranked 53rd in the live rankings.
“I actually didn’t even think of that at all. I just wanted to win this match.” Watson said about her Olympic qualification following her win over Gibbs.
“I felt I’m hitting the ball really well at the moment, and I would have been really disappointed if I would have lost playing the way I am.”
The chance of playing in her second Olympics is a target that Watson is aiming for. Describing the Olympics as her ‘main goal this year’, the Brit was full of praise about the event despite ongoing issues in Brazil. The Zika Virus has deterred some athletes from travelling to the Games, however, Watson remains fully committed to representing her country in Rio.
“I have no idea why they don’t want to go. Because I love it. I had a great time, and I want to go back.” The smiling Brit said.
At the 2012 London Olympics Watson reached the second round before losing in straight sets to 14th seed Maria Kirilenko.
Svetlana Kuznetsova next in Paris
Awaiting Watson in the second round will be 2004 US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. The Russian booked her placed in the last 64 by defeating Yaroslava Shvedova 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. The upcoming match against the 13th seed will be tough for Watson, who believes she has the game to trouble Kuznetsova on the clay.
“She is a Grand Slam champion and has been around for a long time. She can be extremely dangerous on her day.” Watson said during her assessment of Kuznetsova.
“I know clay is one of her best surfaces. “She lives in Spain, and trains there. I think she’s very comfortable on the clay, so it won’t be easy.”
“I think I’ve got a good game to give her some troubles.”
A second round win at Roland Garros would take Watson into the last 32 of the tournament for the first time in her career.
