British No. 2 Heather Watson is for the first time in Slovakia

24-years old Heather Watson is a member of one of the strongest generation of female tennis players in Great Britain. In 2015, she was No. 38, but the health problems forced her to stop playing for a while. She is not sure what would have happened if she kept playing in that time. The winner of 3 WTA singles titles is going to play in Slovakia for the first time in her career.

You have never played in Trnava or Slovakia before, have you? Why did you choose our tournament?

"No I have never been to Slovakia. I chose it because it was a big ITF tournament on clay and it was perfect for my schedule."

Where do you train during the year or between the tournaments?

"I train between London and Florida, it depends just on where I am going to play the next tournament."

You moved to Bollettieri Academy at age of 12, how was it? Very tough for a young girl?

"No, I was so excited to go to Florida. My parents gave me the option but ultimately it was my own decision and I absolutely loved it there and never felt homesick even at such a young age."

You have been No. 38 in the WTA rankings in the year 2015. How do you remember this part of your career?

"I remember playing well and feeling so confident that I could reach so much higher in the rankings. So it was a shame that I was diagnosed with mononucleosis and had to stop playing for a while. I'm not sure what would have happened if I kept playing."

What is the most precious WTA singles title for you and why?

"They are all special in their own way but probably my first one in Osaka as I saved 3 match points and was a real underdog at that tournament."

On 14 October 2012, you won the Japan Open, becoming the first British female to win a WTA singles title since Sara Gomer in 1988. Why do you think it took so long to win the title for a British girl?

"I'm really not sure why, it’s hard to say, and some countries just have a lot more better players than others... "

Do you have one of the strongest generations of female tennis players right now?  You, Konta, Broady, Moore, Robson, Swan...

"Yes, I think we have a lot of great players at the moment and we are all still quite young, so there is potential for all of us to do so much better."

How was the feeling to win home mixed doubles title at the Wimbledon 2016 with Henri Kontinen? How important is to win the title, especially at the Wimbledon, for a British player at all?

"One of the best feelings in my life so far! It‘s so special to win a grand slam, but especially because it was at my home grand slam."

Your mother is from Papua New Guinea. Have you ever been there?

"Yes, but when I was a baby but I don't remember anything."

Why do you like tennis? What do you consider to be interesting about this sport?

"I love the competition most of all but also that it keeps me fit and healthy. It’s interesting, because anything can happen as there is no clock and it’s not finished until the match point is won."

How well do you know Slovak tennis players?

"I know Cibulkova, Hantuchova, Rybarikova and many more."

Your style icons (regarding WTA website) should be Serena Williams and Beyonce, why is it so? What do you admire about them?

"My style icons are Rihanna and Rita Ora, I'm very bold with my fashion choices and love all sorts of styles and believe there are no limits when it comes to fashion."

What is your main goal for this season?

"It is to stay healthy, happy and climb back up the rankings as soon as possible!"

Photos by: 
IMG