Sunshine, a rain delay and lots of wind – sounds tricky, but it’s all in a day’s work for Heather Watson.
The Brit handled the Hobart conditions in style, advancing to the final round of qualifying with a 6-3 6-2 win over Australian Kimberly Birrell today.
“Do you know what, when it started raining and it was so windy, I think at other tournaments it would maybe be like ‘ugh, this is annoying’ – but here I just expect it every single match and it doesn’t bother me at all. It’s just part of playing here,” Watson said.
Despite the challenging conditions, Watson is pleased to be back at a tournament she won in 2015.
“I have such great memories here,” she said. “I think no matter how many years you’ve played, you always remember when you’ve played really well. Playing out here on Centre Court brings back great memories of how I’ve played and it gives me a boost of energy and confidence when I’m out there.”
Glad to be back https://t.co/NG7hTJnhVK
— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) January 4, 2018
The world No.74, the top seed in qualifying this year, faces Japanese world No.97 Nao Hibino in the final qualifying round tomorrow.
“I would have loved to have gotten in the main draw, I was just one spot out which is a shame, but you know what, I haven’t been worried about it at all,” Watson said.
“It’s just more match practice and at the beginning of the year that’s the most important part.”
Belgian Kirsten Flipkens, a former world No.13, also advanced to the final qualifying round where she meets Australian Naiktha Bains.
READ MORE: Bains upsets Bogdan
Last year’s finalist Monica Niculescu is one win away from an eighth main draw appearance at the event, but last year’s semifinalist Jana Fett’s campaign is over after a three-set loss to Slovakian Jana Cepelova.
Other round one qualifying winners were Alison Van Uytvanck, Alla Kudryavtseva, Julia Glushko, Nina Stojanovic, Madison Brengle and Kurumi Nara.