• French Open

Watson in 'happy land' after historic win

ESPN staff
May 23, 2011
Heather Watson celebrates winning the first set © Getty Images
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Heather Watson admits she was in 'happy land' in the immediate aftermath of her historic victory over Stephanie Foretz Gacon in the first round of the French Open.

The straight sets success saw the 19-year-old become the first British woman since Clare Wood in 1994 to make it into the second round at Roland Garros, after becoming the first British woman in 28 years to make it into the main draw for the event after coming through qualifying.

After saving four first set points and enduring a number of double-faults at crucial junctures to close out the win, the Guernsey native couldn't hide her joy.

"I'm really happy with just getting through that first round," Watson said. "There were a few nerves there, as people could see.

"I double-faulted three times in the second-to-last game. I didn't feel nervous, I was just going for it more because I knew I would have to close it out. She wouldn't give it to me.

"But, in the end, I'm really, really pleased with that."

Watson revealed that she was so overcome by her success that she briefly lost her bearings.

"I came off court and the lady was asking me what time I wanted to go to press and I had no idea what she was saying because I was so in happy land," she said.

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