Q&A #13 with Wimbledon Champ Heather Watson
Heather Watson
We are excited to have Heather Watson on this weeks Q&A. Heather was the 2016 Wimbledon Mixed doubles champion partnering Henri Kontinen. They nearly repeated it this year but losing a tight final to Martina Hingis and Jamie Murray. Heather started playing tennis at 7 and moved to the US to train at the famous Nick Bollettieri when she was 12. She went on to be ranked the number 3 Junior in the world as well as winning a US Open Girls title in 2009. She also went pro that year and her career has steadily progressed from there, winning her first WTA title in 2012. Lets find out more about her 😃
What age did you start playing tennis at?
7
(Heather is a bit older than 7 here!)
Did any of your parents play tennis?
Yes
What was your highest ITF world ranking (under 18)?
3
(Winner of the 2009 US Open Juniors)
What tennis academy did you train at as a junior?
IMG Bollettieri
Did you go to University?
No
What age did you decide to go pro?
17
What was your highest WTA ranking?
39 Singles, 49 Doubles
If you weren't a pro what do you think you would be doing?
Interior Design
Are you a Km/h or Mp/h person?
Mp/h
Whats your biggest weapon on court?
Volley
Whats your fastest ever serve?
114 mph
Do you like flying?
No
Your flying class?
Economy lol !!
What clothing company are you sponsored by?
New Balance
What rackets do you use?
Babolat Strike
Is the racket personalised for you? Do you know the weight?
Yes and I don't know the specifics
What strings do you use?
Babolat rpm blast
What tension are your strings?
On average 52lbs but it changes all the time
How many rackets do you carry in your bag for a match?
6
What grips do you use?
Babolat dry grips
Are you a sweatband person?
Yes
Did you ever use a tournament towel as a gift!?
Yes
Do you have a pre-match song you like to play to get you in the zone?
Changes week to week
vs Serena @ Wimbledon (I remember that match so well, so close and nerve wrecking )
Melbourne
Who was your childhood tennis hero?
Roger Federer
Do you prefer Running/Biking/Love Both or Hate Both?
Only if they're both outside I love them
Great pre season video of Heather showing all the off court training needed to be on top of the game
What do you do to relax while at tournaments?
Watch movies, read books, FaceTime family
Do you read books?
Yes
If so, what is your all time favourite book?
Hunger Games (she said "is that lame?", I don't think so!)
And what book are you reading now?
"Dead to me" by Lesley Pearse
Whats your all-time favourite movie?
Ace Ventura when nature calls
Thanks to Heather for taking the time to answer our Q&A. We wish you the best of luck on the US Hard court series.
Check out her Instagram page here and make sure you follow her
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