Wimbledon 2014: Heather Watson Bans Parents From Watching Matches

Wimbledon 2014: Heather Watson Bans Parents From Watching Matches
AFP/Getty Images

Britain's number one hope for Wimbledon, Heather Watson, has never allowed her parents to watch her matches – because she thinks they'll bring her bad luck.

But after making it through to the second round yesterday (Tuesday), the 22-year-old rising star said she's ready to put her superstitions aside and let her mum and dad cheer on their daughter.

Heather, who has only just recovered from glandular fever, won in straight sets over Croatian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Last year, she went out in the first round but she made it to the second yesterday despite suffering from such crippling nerves that she developed insomnia and couldn't eat beforehand.

Heather's win is good news for her parents, Michelle and Ian, who have been banned from attending her matches in case it is unlucky.

But she said: "We made a deal. If I get to the second week then they're coming.

"It's absolutely possible, but I'm just focused on playing as best I can now. And when the draw does come out I'll only be looking as far as that match."

Thanking the supporters afterwards, she said: "From the beginning when I walked onto the court and they said my name, the crowd was very positive and behind me the whole way.

"I really enjoyed playing here today and on that court. I do like that court a lot."

The Guernsey player, who jumped ahead of Laura Robson in the world rankings last month when she reached the second round of the French Open, said: "I was a bit nervous going on to court.

"I struggle to eat before I go on, and actually my jaw was locking and I couldn't even bite through my banana.

"But it was good. Once I got on court, I got moving. I got into it."

Heather, Andy Murray, 27, and Naomi Broady, 24, are now the only Britons left in the competition.

Laura Robson, who made it the fourth round of Wimbledon last year, has been forced to miss the event this year due to a wrist injury.

Close