Australian Open 2013 - Heather fights into Round Two

Watson in action on day 1

Australian Open 2013 - Heather fights into Round Two

My player of Day 1 in Melbourne has to be British No.1 Heather Watson, yes I am biased but she deserves it for a wonderful come from behind first round win.

Struggling with her game and the heat Watson was down a set against Alexandra Cadantu out on court 13 after losing four straight games from 2-2 in the opener.

The 20 year-old then also trailed by a break in set two before a prolonged medical timeout during which she sort advice from the Doctor and her Romanian opponent had treatment for arm and foot problems.

Upon the resumption, and buoyed by a loud and enthusiastic crowd, Watson battled back and turned the match in her favour.  The World No.50 eventually came through 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in little under two and a half hours for her first victory at Melbourne Park.

In doing completing the superb comeback Watson displayed many of her greatest attributes - grit, determination and her willingness to dig in and fight for every point, every game. 

This coupled with her excellent athleticism, speed, balance and efforts to hit the ball with a bit pace really can take her far in the game. 100 ranking points for this victory certainly will do her ranking no harm.

In round two she will take on unseeded Ksenia Pervak who scored a three set upset over 32nd seeded German Mona Barthel.

Watson and Pervak have never met before and while the 21 year-old Kazakh is currently ranked 82 she has been ranked as high as 37th in September 2011 and defeated Wozniacki this year in Brisbane.  

Even so there could be worse second round draws for the British No.1. They are expected to take to the court on Wednesday, hopefully on a televised court (fingers crossed). Good Luck Heather!

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