Heather Watson in the first round of Wimbledon 2022, London, UK
Heather Watson in the first round of Wimbledon 2022, London, UK | (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Tennis | Wimbledon 2022 | Heather Watson wins emotional first round to face Wang in the second round

By Ros Satar

  • Heather Watson v Wang Qiang
  • First Meeting
LONDON, UK – Heather Watson came back for an emotional win over Tamara Korpatsch and will face Wang Qiang next.

 

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Heather Watson def. Tamara Korpatsch 6-7(7) 7-5 6-2

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It was an emotional victory in the end for former British number one Heather Watson. She overcame Tamara Korpatsch after a tough match. The German broke Watson in the first set but Watson rallied to break back but found herself swiftly behind in the tie-break but displayed her trademark tenacity to level things up before the fading light brought proceedings to a close.

However, coming back to finish the decider, Watson was inspired, breaking first and then in the penultimate game to win.

 

 

Heather Watson v Wang Qiang | H2H & Match Fundamentals

Heather Watson v Wang Qiang H2H: First Meeting
Wimbledon London, UK
Grass (O) Prize Money: £50,000
Last on Court No. 2, not before 6pm BST BBC Sport

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

H2H: Heather Watson (WR 121) Wang Qiang (WR 140)
Tournament Previous Best R3 (2015, 2017) R3 (2019)
1st Serve Return Points Won % 38.6 35.4
Return Points Won % 43.3 41.4
Break Point Conversion % 52 51.7
Break Points Saved % 58.6 59.5
Total Points Won % 50.8 48.0

Watson just about edges Wang Qiang on all but break points saved but expect anther tight match.

 

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Playing Styles & Prediction

Watson should take a lot of confidence from that performance, having the will to fight after losing a competitive first set, and then really coming out and dominating the delayed decider. She also comes into this with a lot more grass under her feet than Wang, who has slipped down the rankings, much like Watson. Wang might not be the most powerful player, but she will go for her shots and Watson will need to employ all her skills of aggressive play, defence and will need to run down everything.

Prediction: Watson in three sets.

 

 

 

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