Watson knocked out of Wimbledon on same day her Olympic spot is confirmed

Monday 01 July 2024

Heather Watson suffered defeat in the first round of Wimbledon.

Her 14th women’s singles campaign at SW19 lasted one hour and 40 minutes as she fell in straight sets to Greet Minnen, the Belgium world number 80 and her doubles partners for this tournament.

It came on the same day that it was confirmed that Watson will compete in her fourth Olympic Games, this time in the doubles alongside Katie Boulter.

Watson was given a wild card into the main draw at Wimbledon and stepping out onto Court 18 was the first British player in action.

Having lost the opening two games, and trailed 4-1 in the first set, Watson won four straight games to serve for it at 5-4.

But she lost her serve to love and a key opportunity went begging.

Minnen went on to win the first set 7-5 and the second set went with serve until Waton double faulted to bring up a match point.

The Belgian took full advantage to take the set 6-4 and with it the match.  

Watson and Minnen will play American number 14 seeds Sofia Kenin and Bethanie  Mattek-Sands in the first round of the doubles.

The Olympic tennis tournament will run from 27 July to 4 August at the Stade Roland Garros.