• WTA

Jubilant Watson expected to be left in tears

ESPN staff
October 14, 2012
Heather Watson lost in the doubles final © Getty Images
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Heather Watson revealed she was ready to cry when she faced match points in the final of the HP Open, which she eventually won to end Britain's 24-year wait for a WTA singles title.

Watson beat Kai-Chen Chang 7-5 5-7 7-6(4) to become the first Brit since Sara Gomer to win a championship on the WTA Tour.

However, having double-faulted on her own match point, Watson then had to save four against her as she battled through over three hours on court.

"I was already thinking about how I was going to cry in the locker room," Watson said on the official WTA website. "But after I saved the first one, I just took it point by point. I'm really proud of myself for getting through that.

"I was in the changing room afterwards, changing my clothes, and I thought to myself, 'Did I really win?' So it's just starting to settle in.

"I've worked so hard for this moment my whole career - that's why I practised so hard, ran all those miles and lifted all those weights, for moments like this."

Watson's triumph comes three weeks after Laura Robson reached her first final in China, although she failed to break her title duck. Nevertheless it inspired Watson to go one better.

"Laura and I have come through the rankings together - juniors and seniors - and we're both very competitive, so when we see the other doing well, it pushes us," Watson said.

"Knowing Laura did so well in China a few weeks ago definitely motivated me this week. But I think it's great we're really good friends off the court as well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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