Watson hoping for Rio springboard after Wimbledon win

Heather Watson is relishing the chance to compete at her second Olympic Games after lifting her first grand slam title at Wimbledon last weekend.

Published : Jul 14, 2016 00:01 IST , London

Heather Watson celebrates her Wimbledon triumph.
Heather Watson celebrates her Wimbledon triumph.
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Heather Watson celebrates her Wimbledon triumph.

Heather Watson is relishing the chance to compete at her second Olympic Games after lifting her first grand slam title at Wimbledon last weekend.

The 24-year-old put the disappointment of first-round exit in the singles behind her at the All England Club to lift the mixed doubles title with Henri Kontinen.

Success at Wimbledon was the culmination of a busy 2016 for Watson as she ensured her place with Great Britain at Rio 2016.

And she hopes her major victory can provide her with momentum heading into — what she believes to be — one of the most important tournaments of the year.

"My two weeks at Wimbledon were very different," she told reporters at Team GB's Kitting Out at the NEC in Birmingham.

"The first week I was very down after my first-round loss especially having had match points, and then the second week was completely different, I won a grand slam title, extremely happy, it was very busy and exhausting.

"Hopefully I can use it to give me a bit of confidence but it's very different from playing singles and doubles.

"Everybody I know that has the chance to play in it wants to play, I can't understand why some of the golfers don't want to, I just wouldn't want to miss out on that experience.

"For me I did everything in my power to be involved, [missing out] wasn't an option.

"I think it's a really big deal, it's so cool just to be part of something special."

Four years ago Watson was left disappointed as she fell in the second round of the singles competition, and she was overlooked in the doubles.

She still looks back on the Games with fond memories, though, which is why she was so determined to make it to Brazil.

"It [London 2012] is still one of the best times of my life, as soon as it was over I knew I wanted to compete in Rio, and it was my biggest goal of this year," Watson added.

"That's why I've had such a packed summer, playing every single week because I wanted to make sure I made the cut, and I'm so pleased that I did, I just can't wait to go there."

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