ROTHESAY INTERNATIONAL

June 27, 2023

Heather Watson

Devonshire Park

Press Conference

C. GIORGI/H. Watson

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Heather, do you want to give us your thoughts on today's match? Obviously a tough match and tough conditions.

HEATHER WATSON: Yeah. Firstly, I thought my opponent played extremely well. I've played her quite a few times before, and I thought this was the best she's played out of all those times.

Really struggled with her serve. I thought she served like John Isner today (smiling).

Yeah, just really windy conditions. Usually I quite like the wind. I feel like my game is adaptable and I use it well. She just didn't let me in today. I thought she played really well.

Yeah, I'm not beating myself up. I felt like I just gave everything I had today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. How ready were you for that match? Obviously very short notice coming in as a Lucky Loser. What was your mindset going into it at such short notice?

HEATHER WATSON: I was prepared, because yesterday I heard Kvitova wasn't coming, so I knew -- sorry, not wasn't coming but she wasn't going to play. So I knew I was going to have the opportunity to play but we were more prepared for me to play Ostapenko. But that being said, I would say that Ostapenko and Giorgi are quite similar players, so it wasn't too different.

Yeah, no, I was prepared, ready, very happy that I had another opportunity, but she was too good today.

Q. Obviously Giorgi can do that to anyone really. Curious in general how you feel about your game right now? Wonder how you're feeling.

HEATHER WATSON: Yeah, I feel great. I had so many matches in Nottingham, making the semis there and then the finals of doubles. I have still got doubles today with Harriet. I have had loads of matches the last few weeks, which is perfect for me.

I'm a person who the more matches, the better. Yeah, just feeling really good in my game all around, every aspect of my game, really. So really looking forward to Wimbledon.

Q. It's been 10 years since Andy Murray won at Wimbledon for the first time. Wonder what your memories are of that and how inspiring and impactful that was for you?

HEATHER WATSON: Yeah, I remember exactly where I was. I was in Stanford in California getting ready for the next tournament and was watching it by myself in the hotel.

When he got emotional in his speech at the end, I remember tearing up, as well, just so happy for him. I remember exactly where I was that day.

Q. British player playing Wimbledon, as a player, how did that impact you? Was it influential in any way?

HEATHER WATSON: Absolutely, but he's been influential throughout his career, all that he's done. Even now, just continuing to play, to push through, I think he's a massive inspiration for me, for the rest of the players, and for young players that want to be professionals too.

Q. As you said, you play with Harriet Dart later. How much do you look forward to that?

HEATHER WATSON: Yeah, I think we're a great team. Really looking forward to having the opportunity again to play this week. We've got the wildcard. Very grateful for that. Yeah, just more time out on court is the better for me.

Q. When you and Harriet are on court, what are you talking about? How much of that is actually tennis?

HEATHER WATSON: To be honest, actually we probably mostly talk about the tennis (smiling). But yeah, sometimes other things.

Yeah, we're always having a good natter, even between points. But yeah, we get on really well and we're a good team.