Heather Watson plans French Open return after glandular fever

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Heather WatsonImage source, Getty Images

British number two Heather Watson is planning to return to action at next week's French Open after missing the last two months with glandular fever.

The 21-year-old was diagnosed in April after a string of early-round exits, having been playing with the illness for the previous few months.

Laura Robson has taken Watson's British number one status during her absence.

Watson, ranked 50th in the world, will play at Roland Garros having only resumed training a fortnight ago., external

She reached the third round of the Australian Open in January, reaching a career-high world ranking of 39th in February.

Watson announced she would take a break from tennis in March, after first-round defeats in Indian Wells and Miami in March, before reversing the decision 24 hours later.

The Briton then pulled out of April's WTA tournament in Charleston, South Carolina, with a leg injury when blood tests revealed she was suffering with glandular fever.

Speaking in April, Watson said: "I'm optimistic that I'm nearly over the worst.

"I was playing with it for quite a while and really struggling; the fact that I now know why will help me recover quicker.

"Maybe it's just a sign that I needed a break. I know I'll come back stronger, fitter and more determined."

Watson was knocked out of last year's French Open in the second round by German Julia Gorges.

The draw for Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year, will be made on Friday with the tournament starting on Sunday.

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