Heather Watson in the 2021 Viking Classic, Birmingham, UK
Heather Watson in the 2021 Viking Classic, Birmingham, UK | (Photo by Barrington Coombs/Getty Images for LTA)

Tennis | Australian Open 2022 | Heather Watson starts he campaign against Mayar Sherif

By Ros Satar

  • Heather Watson v Mayar Sherif
  • H2H: First Meeting
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Heather Watson will look to kick start her year, having lost six straight matches at the end of last year.

 

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Heather Watson v Mayar Sherif | H2H: First Meeting

There really will be a lot for Heather Watson to unpack as she finally picked up two straight wins, albeit in in the Adelaide qualifying rounds. She will face Egypt’s Mayar Sherif who impressed in last year’s Australian Open, winning three rounds of qualifying and making it to the second round.

 

H2H & Match Fundamentals

Heather Watson v Mayar Sherif H2H: First Meeting
Australian Open Melbourne, Australia
Hard (O) Prize Money: A$90,000
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Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022 – Hard)

Embed from Getty Images

H2H: Heather Watson (WR 74) Mayar Sherif (WR 63)
Tournament Previous Best R3 (2013) R2 (2021)
1st Serve Return Points Won % 31.6 23.6
Return Points Won % 41.2 33.1
Break Point Conversion % 64.3 10
Break Points Saved % 48.1 63.2
Total Points Won % 50.4 43.3

There is actually not much to separate them, over the matches they have played already this season, and although Watson has picked up a win in qualies, both will be battling for a first main draw win, with Watson having the edge.

 

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Playing Styles & Prediction

Watson will bring years of experience on the tour to bear against Sherif’s boundless enthusiasm that saw her really come into the public’s consciousness with her run of wins at last year’s Australian Open. Watson has barely had the better start to the season, but will be stretched with an in-your-face opponent who will try and intimidate every step of the way.

Watson needs to find some consistency in her game, and has the chance of a win here, but it feels like this will be a three-set rollercoaster to start.

Prediction: Watson in three sets.

 

 

How to Watch/Follow the Australian Open 2022

TV Discovery+, Eurosport

BBC Radio 5 Live Extra

Highlights on BBC Two (from 22 January)

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