Wimbledon win 'slipped through my fingers' - Watson

Heather Watson has not won a singles match at Wimbledon since she reached the fourth round in 2022

Heather Watson says she is frustrated with her first-round loss at Wimbledon to Clara Tauson.

The 33-year-old from Guernsey lost 2–6 6–4 6–3 to the 23rd seed as she failed to progress beyond the opening round for the third successive year.

Watson had started strongly against the world number 22 before faltering in the final two sets.

"I'm disappointed because it felt like I let it slip through my fingers, especially being in such a good place in the first set and playing so well," she told BBC Sport.

Watson was particularly unhappy with her serve as she suffered her ninth first-round exit at Wimbledon.

"I was just so frustrated because I don't think I've ever missed that many first serves and I didn't feel bad," she added.

"I was trying to change things up, trying to find the court, take a bit of pace off, but just nothing seemed to work.

"Every time I walked up to that line I was like 'this is going to be the one, this is where it's going to change' and it just never did.

"I just think that sort of stress built up as the match went on; it was just frustrating that I couldn't find it, especially because that's the one shot I'm actually in control of."

Heather Watson is currently ranked 143 in the world

Despite the loss Watson, who made the fourth round in 2022 and came close to upsetting Serena Williams in the third round back in 2015, hopes to return next year.

She won the mixed doubles title in 2016 with Henri Kontinen and the pair also reached the final a year later.

"Wimbledon is my favourite tournament of the year," added Watson, who has played at every tournament since 2010.

"It's why I continue to play, to be a part of this tournament, and I love and appreciate so much having the opportunity to play here again for another year.

"I want to play as many years as I can just so I can play and be here at this special tournament because this is why I do it."