Watson off to a flyer in Shrewsbury

Tuesday 15 October 2024

Heather Watson was not messing around as she began her campaign in the UK’s biggest indoor tennis event.

She saw off fifth seed Anna Korolina Schmiedlova at a canter, 6-1, 6-1 in the first round proper at the Lexus W100 Shrewsbury.

JOKE of a point @HeatherWatson92 ????

Kicking things off at the Lexus W100 Shrewsbury with a 6-1, 6-1 win over 5th seed Anna Karolína Schmiedlová#BackTheBrits ???????? pic.twitter.com/zbf4Rg8kPw

— LTA (@the_LTA) October 15, 2024

Slovakian Schmeidlova, currently ranked 49 places above Watson in the world at 108,  made it to the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics.

Watson produced four aces in the clash with a solid first serve percentage of 72%. 

She will now face the winner of the game between Sarah Beth Grey and Petra Marcinko.