Heather Watson could be tennis world number one

Heather Watson says she could become tennis world number one after her Japan Open victory

Heather Watson says she could be world number one

Heather Watson has become the first British woman to win a WTA singles title since 1988 after beating Chang Kai-chen 7-5 5-7 7-6 (7-4) in the Japan Open final and now Watson says she could become world number one. The Japan Open triumph saw the 20-year-old rise 21 places to 50th in the world rankings, replacing Laura Robson as British number one. Watson said, “I definitely believe in myself. I wouldn't be in the game if I didn't. I have the mental toughness and the capability. You know all these girls think the same thing, so it's just who can do it, and I'm just going to do whatever it takes.”

Before her title win at the Japan Open Watson had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals. By winning the Japan Open, Watson repeated Sara Gomer who was the last British female to win on the tour. Her triumph in the Northern California Open in 1988 came four years before Watson was even born. Watson has now overtaken previous British number one Laura Robson who has had a very successful season and sits 2 places behind Watson in 52nd place in the world.

New British number one Heather Watson had this to say about herself and Laura Robson, “I think we have been starving a little bit for a female player to come through. At the moment me and Laura are coming through at the beginning stages of our career and it's exciting.” These 2 young women players could grow up to be British tennis superstars and legends.

Author Daniel Foster.
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