Biofile: Heather Watson Interview

[scoop]

Status: WTA ranking is 126. 2016 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion.

DOB: May 19, 1992 In: Guernsey, Great Britain

First Tennis Memory: “I think I remember watching Serena against Sharapova, that final at Wimbledon. I think that was probably my first memory because I never watched tennis as a child or anything like that.”

Tennis Inspirations: “What? People? (Or whatever inspires you.) I think just being successful. And I’m a competitive person so I love winning. I guess that inspires me enough.”

Last Book Read: “Was ‘A Girl On A Train.'”

Current Car: “Jaguar. (Color?) White with black rims [smiles].”

First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: “Tim Henman when I was like eight. (At Wimbledon?) No, he came to Guernsey, where I’m from. The local tennis club.”

Greatest Career Moment: “Would be … winning my first WTA title in Osaka (2012). Or winning Wimbledon mixed doubles last year (with Henri Kontinen).”

Most Painful Moment: “Every match I lose [smiles].”

Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: “To play… to do is trampolining. I find that so fun. And to watch – basketball.”

Strangest Match: “I hit a ball and farted once – and I hoped the linesman didn’t hear [smiles]. (Remember where that happened?) That was in Hobart.”

Funniest Players Encountered: “I’d say on the Tour one of the funniest players is Andrea Petkovic.”

Fiercest Competitor Encountered: “Serena Williams.”

Closest WTA Tour Friends: “Alja Tomjanovic and Irina Falconi.”

Funny Tennis Memory: “No, it’s all serious.”

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “The farting one.”

Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: “Because it has so much variety in the sport. And it keeps me fit and healthy at the same time.”

Favorite Tournaments: “All the Grand Slams and Indian Wells.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “People with ambition. People who are kind. And generous. And happy.”

– By Scoop Malinowski