Watson beat Jade Curtis to win her first match at senior level

Guernsey's Heather Watson won her first match in a senior tournament after beating Cornwall's Jade Curtis at the AEGON Pro-Series event in Jersey.

The 16-year-old world junior number 15 won her opening-round match in three sets, 7-5 4-6 6-1.

"I went into this knowing Jade. We train together and I knew she was going to be tough," she told BBC Jersey.

Watson also won her opening doubles match with British partner Naomi Broady at the Les Ormes Tennis Club.

Speaking about her singles victory, she added: "First set I played very well, second set she just stepped up her game and there was nothing I could do.

"But in the third set I just gave it everything I had and came out on top.

Watson was watched by a crowd of around 100 spectators and she was pleased with the support she received.

"I love having crowds, especially when they're cheering for me," she said.

"I had so many friends and family fly across and it was amazing to have them here watching and supporting me."

One of those watching was her father Ian, who has not seen her play since the Junior Australian Open in January.

"I'm very proud, Jade Curtis is a very good opponent and Heather played consistently well."

Watson will now face British third seed and world number 135 Katie O'Brien in the second round after she beat Switzerland's Stefania Boffa in straight sets.

"I've never played her before but I've watched her play and she's going to be very tough. I've just got to go in there and give it everything I have," Watson said.

The other big result of the day saw British wildcard Sarah Borwell beat fourth seed Tereza Hladikova from the Czech Republic 7-6 6-1 to move into the second round.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version