Heather Watson facing the mother of all challenges in former world No1 Victoria Azarenka at Wimbledon

Heather Watson secured her place in the third round on Wednesday
Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
Giuseppe Muro6 July 2017

Heather Watson is one win away from reaching the second week of a grand slam for the first time in her career, but the British No2 knows her next opponent will prove to be a considerable step up - even if she is currently ranked 683 in the world.

Watson reached the third round here with a 6-0, 6-4 win over 18th seed Anastasija Sevastova yesterday and now has to get past former world No1 Victoria Azarenka.

Azarenka, from Belarus, is playing only her second tournament since giving birth to a son, Leo, in December.

The 27-year-old, who is one of only a few players aiming to make it back to the elite level after becoming a mother, has twice reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon and Watson will start as the underdog, despite her restored confidence.

Watson has dropped to outside the top 100 in the rankings after a dip in form and a number of injuries but she is playing her best tennis since she reached this stage at the All England Club two years ago and served for the match against Serena Williams on Centre Court.

The 25-year-old from Guernsey has started working with a new coaching team of Morgan Phillips and Colin Beecher in the last few months and she has a renewed sense of focus.

“Making the second week of a slam would be huge for me,” said Watson, who expects a difficult challenge against the two-times Australian Open champion Azarenka on Friday.

“I know she has only just come back, but I expect her to be playing really well because I know she will have put in the hours and the work.

Wimbledon 2017 - In pictures

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“You do not get to where she has got to in her career without being a really good player. I really respect how hard she works and how focused she is. She is an incredible player and person.”

Watson, who is ranked at 102 and is a wild card at SW19 this year, added: “It is been one of my goals for ever to the reach the second week of a slam. I made those big goals years ago.”

Azarenka beat Russian 15th seed Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-3 yesterday.

She also revealed she has spoken to world No1 Williams about combining motherhood with professional tennis. The American is taking time out from the game as she awaits the arrival of her first child.

“Traveling is a little stressful with a baby, but overall it is just great,” said Azarenka. “It is the best thing that can happen to you in the world.”

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