Heather Watson is into the Hobart International quarterfinals.
The British qualifier, who won the tournament in 2015, proved too strong for 18-year-old Australian wildcard Jaimee Fourlis in a second round showdown on Centre Court today. Watson won 6-2 6-2 in 69 minutes.
“I felt the match today was a lot tougher than the score suggested,” Watson said.
“We had a lot of close games and I think just because I’m feeling really confident I was able to come through a lot of those games.”
The world No.74-ranked Watson, who lost only 13 points on serve in the match, still had praise for her younger opponent.
“Jaimee is a great player, she’s so young but I’m sure she’s going to do really well in coming years,” Watson said.
“She’s a very aggressive player, swings free and has no fear. That sort of game style can be very dangerous.”
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Fourlis, who won her first WTA-level main draw match this week, said she would learn from her loss.
“Today didn’t go as planned,” Fourlis admitted. “I think nerves got to me a little bit, it was definitely a learning experience.
“I think I was in some of the games, she just won the crucial points. She played them smarter and was much more experienced. They’re the points I can really learn from, to play them better.”
The 25-year-old Watson now meets Croatian Donna Vekic in tomorrow’s quarterfinal.
“She’ll be a really tough opponent, but I feel good in myself and confident so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing,” Watson said.
Watson is on a four-match winning streak this week, having qualified for the main draw and set to play her third quarterfinal from four Hobart International appearances.
“I love it here in Hobart,” Watson said.
“Every time I’ve been here I’ve played well and as each match goes by, I feel like I’m playing better and better.”