Heather Watson

Heather Watson was born in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey to Michelle and Ian Watson. Her mother is from Papua New Guinea and her father is British, and was the managing director of Guernsey Electricity from 1995 until retirement in 2010. She has one brother and two sisters. Watson started playing tennis at the age of seven,{{cite web|url=http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100079698|title=WATSON, Heather (GBR)|publisher=International Tennis Federation|access-date=12 September 2009}} and at age twelve she went to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida.

In 2006, Watson won the British Under-14 Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-7AAS0&BSMGuid=9bbace5b-0e1b-46ee-bcd0-3b55880bfe73|title=Ariel British Junior National Championships – 14U MD 14 & Under Girls Singles|publisher=Lawn Tennis Association|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=27 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227033011/http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-7AAS0&BSMGuid=9bbace5b-0e1b-46ee-bcd0-3b55880bfe73|url-status=dead}} The following year she won the British Under-16 Championship,{{cite web|url=http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-F695I&BSMGuid=caefa025-b01f-466f-9136-90592ac71ce3|title=Ariel British Junior National Championships – 16U 16 & Under Girls Singles|publisher=Lawn Tennis Association|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=4 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004105454/http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-F695I&BSMGuid=caefa025-b01f-466f-9136-90592ac71ce3|url-status=dead}} and reached the semifinals of the British Under-18 Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-F695P&PlayerId=1-WB-31208&BSMGuid=ed804e40-e429-45a6-8bbd-48bb6dc921ad|title=Ariel British Junior National Championships – 18U 18 & Under Girls Singles|publisher=Lawn Tennis Association|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=4 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004105537/http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-F695P&PlayerId=1-WB-31208&BSMGuid=ed804e40-e429-45a6-8bbd-48bb6dc921ad|url-status=dead}} She lost in the under-18 semifinals again in 2008 to eventual winner Tara Moore.{{cite web|url=http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-O1XQ6&PlayerId=1-WB-31208&BSMGuid=6219f226-7b55-4563-ab26-ee0c288d09d0|title=British Junior National Championships – 18U 18 & Under Girls Singles|publisher=Lawn Tennis Association|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108130235/http://www2.lta.org.uk/Search/FindACompetition/EventResults.htm?Id=1-O1XQ6&PlayerId=1-WB-31208&BSMGuid=6219f226-7b55-4563-ab26-ee0c288d09d0|url-status=dead}} In October, Watson travelled to Pune in India to compete at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games where she won the gold medal, winning the final against Kyra Shroff.{{cite web|url=http://results.cygpune2008.com/RIS_CYG/reports/pdf/Tennis/TEW001101/result.pdf|title=Tennis – Women's Singles – Gold Medal Match|publisher=2008 Commonwealth Youth Games|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708214952/http://results.cygpune2008.com/RIS_CYG/reports/pdf/Tennis/TEW001101/result.pdf|archive-date=8 July 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2008/10/20/our-golden-girl/|title=Our golden girl|last=Le Prevost|first=Gareth|date=20 July 2009|work=The Guernsey Press|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811035944/http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2008/10/20/our-golden-girl/|url-status=dead}} Mother Michelle left her job in 2008 to travel full-time with her daughter around the World Junior Circuit.

Watson played her first senior tournament in March 2009 – the $25k Jersey Open, but lost in the second round to Katie O'Brien. At the beginning of July, she became the highest-ranked British junior, overtaking Laura Robson.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/28/watson-in-at-756/http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/08/watson-is-top-gb-junior/|title=Watson is top GB junior|date=8 July 2009|work=The Guernsey Press|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811025522/http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/28/watson-in-at-756/http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/08/watson-is-top-gb-junior/|url-status=dead}} She achieved her first senior women's world ranking on 27 July 2009, entering at No. 756.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/28/watson-in-at-756/|title=Watson in at 756|last=Batiste|first=Rob|date=28 July 2009|work=The Guernsey Press|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811032125/http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/28/watson-in-at-756/|url-status=dead}} She won her first senior title at the Frinton $10k tournament. Watson beat Anna Fitzpatrick in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/20/watson-secures-first-senior-title/|title=Watson secures first senior title|last=Le Prevost|first=Gareth|date=20 July 2009|work=The Guernsey Press|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811033744/http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2009/07/20/watson-secures-first-senior-title/|url-status=dead}} At the 2009 US Open, Watson was seeded 11th for the girls' singles. She reached the quarterfinals on 10 September before rain interrupted the tournament schedule. The tournament moved indoors and Watson beat second seed Noppawan Lertcheewakarn in the quarterfinal on 12 September.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8252845.stm|title= Robson & Watson reach semi-finals|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2 September 2009}} She played her semifinal on the same day and was victorious against Daria Gavrilova to reach the final, where she faced doubles partner Yana Buchina.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8252845.stm|title= Watson through to US girls' final|date=12 September 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=12 September 2009}} Playing on court 7, Watson won in straight sets.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8253579.stm|title=Watson wins US Open girls' title |date=13 September 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 September 2009}}

At the 2009 French Open, Watson and her partner, as the third seeds, reached the girls' doubles final where she and Tímea Babos faced the second-seeded pair of Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and Elena Bogdan and were beaten in a match tie-break.{{cite web|url=http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/draws/gd/index.html|title=Draws / Girls' Doubles|publisher=Fédération Française de Tennis|access-date=12 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051029071201/http://www.fft.fr/rolandgarros/fr/Frame_RG.html |archive-date=2005-10-29}} Partnering Yana Buchina, that year they were the seventh seed at the Australian girls' doubles and sixth seed at the US Open girls' doubles, but they lost in the first round at both tournaments. At Wimbledon, she teamed up with Magda Linette and they were seeded sixth in the girls' doubles but eliminated in the second round.

Australian Open: QF (2009)

French Open: 1R (2009)

Wimbledon: 1R (2008, 2009)

US Open: W (2009)

File:Heather Watson (22389715242).jpg

Watson began competing on the ITF Women's Circuit in March when she entered the qualifying tournament for the $10k event in Bath, Somerset, but failed to win a match. She entered her next tournament, a $25k event in Jersey, on a wildcard and beat compatriot Jade Curtis in the first round. She was defeated by another Britain, Katie O'Brien, in round two. In July, she reached her first ITF semifinal as a qualifier in the $10k grass-court tournament in Felixstowe, before losing to Anna Smith. She went on to qualify for the next tournament she entered and again faced Smith in the semifinals; however, this time Watson was victorious and went on to beat Anna Fitzpatrick in the final to win her first title. Continuing to compete on the ITF Circuit for the rest of the season, Watson beat Melanie South in round one of a $50k in Barnstaple in October, before being defeated by Kristina Mladenovic in round two. She ended the 2009 season with a singles ranking of 588.{{cite web |url=http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100079698 |title=Activity: WATSON, Heather (GBR) |publisher=itftennis.com}}

Watson began 2010 with a wildcard into the $25k event in Sutton, London, where she made the quarterfinals. She immediately flew to the $100k Midland Classic, losing to qualifier and fellow 17-year-old Beatrice Capra in the first round.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8510059.stm|title= Heather Watson crashes out in first round in Michigan|date=11 February 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=4 March 2010}} Two weeks later, she entered the $25k event in Hammond, Louisiana. Watson qualified and went on to reach her second quarterfinal of the year, defeating former world No. 7 and two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, Nicole Vaidišová, and fifth seed Monique Adamczak, en route. The following week, Watson entered another $25k event in Clearwater, Florida. In the final qualifying round, she lost to fellow Brit Georgie Stoop, before being handed a lucky loser spot in the main draw and defeating Anna Tatishvili in the first round. She lost to Zhou Yimiao in round two. Watson was then given a wildcard into the main draw of the Miami Open,{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wtatour/7499922/Heather-Watson-given-wild-card-into-Sony-Ericsson-Open-on-WTA-Tour-debut.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wtatour/7499922/Heather-Watson-given-wild-card-into-Sony-Ericsson-Open-on-WTA-Tour-debut.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Watson given wild card into Sony Ericsson Open|work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 March 2010|access-date=8 May 2010|location=London|first=Mark|last=Hodgkinson}}{{cbignore}} but lost to Tsvetana Pironkova in the first round.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wtatour/7514642/Anne-Keothavong-and-Heather-Watson-crash-out-of-Sony-Ericsson-Open.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wtatour/7514642/Anne-Keothavong-and-Heather-Watson-crash-out-of-Sony-Ericsson-Open.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=keothavong and Watson crash out|work=The Daily Telegraph |date=24 March 2010|access-date=8 May 2010|location=London|first=Mark|last=Hodgkinson}}{{cbignore}} This was the first time in her career that Watson competed on the WTA Tour. In April, she reached the quarterfinals of a $25k event in Jackson, Mississippi. Following this, she qualified for the WTA Tour event in Charleston, South Carolina,{{cite news|url=http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-04-12/Watson-qualifies-for-Premiere-event/|title=Watson qualifies for Premier event|publisher=LTA|date=12 April 2010|access-date=8 May 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804095852/http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-04-12/Watson-qualifies-for-Premiere-event/|archive-date=4 August 2012|url-status=dead}} before losing to Elena Vesnina in the first round.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/apr/13/heather-watson-elena-vesnina-charleston|title= Watson/Vesnina Charleston|work=The Guardian |date=13 April 2010|access-date=8 May 2010|location=London}}

At the Eastbourne International, Watson qualified for the main draw by defeating Anna Smith, Tsvetana Pironkova and Bojana Jovanovski.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8740111.stm |publisher=BBC News | title=Watson books spot for Eastbourne | date=14 June 2010}} Watson defeated world No. 48, Aleksandra Wozniak, in the first round.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jun/15/heather-watson-aleksandra-wozniak-eastbourne | location=London |work=The Guardian | title=Heather Watson beats Aleksandra Wozniak in style at Eastbourne | first=Jamie | last=Jackson | date=15 June 2010}} In the second round, she was defeated by former top-10 player Victoria Azarenka. She then entered the first Grand Slam tournament of her career, after receiving a wildcard into the main draw of Wimbledon. Watson met Romina Oprandi in the first round and lost in three sets.{{cite news|title= Heather Watson draws Romina Oprandi at Wimbledon|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8748161.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=22 June 2010|date=18 June 2010}}{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8752740.stm |publisher=BBC News | title=Wimbledon day two as it happened | date=22 June 2010 | first=Caroline | last=Cheese}} Moving back onto hardcourts, her next tournament was a $25k tournament in Wrexham. She defeated four fellow British players (including Anna Fitzpatrick and Naomi Broady) on her way to the final, where she defeated former top-30 player Sania Mirza to win her second ITF title. In October 2010, she was seeded fifth for the women's singles at the Commonwealth Games, taking the rare opportunity to represent Guernsey.{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/news/2010/01/11/watson-puts-her-island-before-tour/|title=Watson puts her island before tour|date=11 January 2010 |publisher=Guernsey Press|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She eventually lost to top seed, Anastasia Rodionova of Australia, in the quarterfinals.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/commonwealth_games/delhi_2010/9068384.stm|title=Guernsey at Delhi 2010: Day Four round-up|date=8 October 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} Partnering Patrick Ogier, Watson also reached the quarterfinals of the mixed doubles, where they were defeated by the third seeds Sarah Borwell and Ken Skupski, representing England.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/commonwealth_games/delhi_2010/9055747.stm|title=Guernsey at Commonwealth Games 2010: Look back|date=18 October 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

File:Fed Cup Group I 2011 Europe Africa day 1 Heather Watson 003.jpg]]

Watson began the season by qualifying for the Auckland Open. She continued her winning streak in the main tournament and beat ninth seed Carla Suárez Navarro to get into the quarterfinals,{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/65903.html|title=Watson books place in first WTA Tour quarter final|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=1 August 2024}} where she lost to Peng Shuai.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9342952.stm|title=Heather Watson loses to Shuai Peng in Auckland quarters|date=6 January 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson qualified for the Cellular South Cup., going on to reach her second quarterfinal of the year where she lost to Evgeniya Rodina.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9401237.stm|title=Heather Watson out of Cellular South Cup in Memphis|date=17 February 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

On 3 April 2011, Watson won two matches to qualify for the Charleston Open, where she lost a close three-set match to Christina McHale in the first round.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/9446516.stm|title=Heather Watson beaten by McHale in Family Circle Cup |publisher=BBC|date=4 April 2011|access-date=6 April 2011}}

Watson next attempted to qualify for the Estoril Open. In the first round of qualifying, she beat former world No. 17, Karolina Šprem.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/87034.html|title=Watson through first round of qualifying |publisher=ESPN|date=23 April 2011|access-date=23 April 2011}} She went on to beat Katarzyna Piter in the second round of qualifying,{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/87138.html|title=Watson closes in on Estoril spot |publisher=ESPN|date=24 April 2011|access-date=24 April 2011}} but eventually lost to Tamira Paszek in the final qualifying round.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/13186978.stm|title=Heather Watson loses final qualifier for Estoril Open |publisher=BBC|date=25 April 2011|access-date=25 April 2011}}

Watson qualified for the French Open on her debut. She beat Raluca Olaru and Sally Peers in the first and second rounds, respectively, to reach the final round, where she defeated Stefanie Vögele to gain a place in the main draw for the first time.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/13457765|title=French Open: Heather Watson into main Roland Garros draw|date=19 May 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} This was the first time a British woman had qualified for the French Open since Kate Brasher, the daughter of Shirley Bloomer and Chris Brasher, in 1983. She played French wildcard Stéphanie Foretz Gacon in the first round and won.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/23/french-open-2011-heather-watson-stephanie-foretz-gacon|title=French Open 2011: Heather Watson sees off Stéphanie Foretz Gacon|work=The Guardian|date=23 May 2011 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Cambers |first1=Simon }} The victory saw her break into the top 100 for the first time. In the second round she lost to 16th seed Kaia Kanepi in the second round.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/26/heather-watson-elena-baltacha|title=French Open 2011: Elena Baltacha and Heather Watson buoyed by progress|work=The Guardian|date=26 May 2011 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Mitchell |first1=Kevin }}

Watson continued her good form entering the grass-court season when she beat 15th seed Chanelle Scheepers in the first round of the Birmingham Classic.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/06/heather-watson-edgbaston|title=Heather Watson wins first-round tie in Aegon Classic at Birmingham |work=The Guardian |date=6 June 2011|access-date=6 June 2011|location=London}} She followed this up by beating Misaki Doi in the second round. However, she lost to third seed and eventual semifinalist Peng Shuai in the third round.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/95262.html|title=Watson romps into third round in Birmingham |publisher=ESPN|date=8 June 2011|access-date=8 June 2011}}

On 22 June 2011, Watson played Mathilde Johansson in her first round match in the Wimbledon Championships, winning the opening set before suffering an arm injury in the second set. Johansson then went on to win in three sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/22/heather-watson-wimbledon-2011|title=Wimbledon 2011: Heather Watson loses tough fight after elbow injury|work=The Guardian|date=22 June 2011 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Ronay |first1=Barney }}

On 29 August 2011, in the first round of the US Open, Watson lost in three sets to former champion Maria Sharapova.{{Cite news|url=http://www.tennisnow.com/News/Maria-Sharapova-Shocked-Out-of-US-Open,-More-From-.aspx|title=Maria Sharapova Shocked Out of US Open, More From New York|date=2 September 2011|access-date=2 September 2011}} After the match, Sharapova stated "There's no doubt that she's a great up-and-coming player".{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/watson-beaten-in-titanic-struggle-after-robson-strides-into-second-round-2345977.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220509/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/watson-beaten-in-titanic-struggle-after-robson-strides-into-second-round-2345977.html |archive-date=9 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Watson beaten in titanic struggle after Robson strides into second round |work=The Independent |date=30 August 2011|access-date=30 August 2011|location=London|first=Paul|last=Newman}}

Watson lost in the first round of the Australian Open to the eventual champion Victoria Azarenka.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jan/16/australian-open-2012-australian-open|title=Australian Open 2012: British trio exit in first round|work=The Guardian|date=16 January 2012 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Mitchell |first1=Kevin }}

Watson was selected for the British Fed Cup Team to play in the Europe/Africa Group-1 match at Eilat, Israel on 1–4 February 2012. In the group stages she played doubles with Laura Robson, defeating pairs from Portugal{{cite news|url=http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2012/Great-Britain-defeat-Portugal-in-Fed-Cup-match/|title=Great Britain defeat Portugal in Fed Cup match|publisher=LTA|access-date=3 February 2011|archive-date=26 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426061328/http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2012/Great-Britain-defeat-Portugal-in-Fed-Cup-match/|url-status=dead}} and the Netherlands{{cite news|url=http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2012/AEGON-GB-Fed-Cup-Team-defeat-Netherlands/|title=AEGON GB Fed Cup Team defeat Netherlands|publisher=LTA|access-date=3 February 2011|archive-date=5 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205214722/http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2012/AEGON-GB-Fed-Cup-Team-defeat-Netherlands/|url-status=dead}} and Israel in the group stages. Robson and Watson were not required to play their doubles in the play-off match against Austria as Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha won their singles rubbers, and the 2–0 lead qualified the team for a place in the World Group II promotion play-off in April 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2012/GB-Fed-Cup-team-progress-to-World-Group-II-play-offs/|title=GB Fed Cup team progress to World Group II Play-offs|publisher=LTA|access-date=6 February 2011|archive-date=8 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208011530/http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2012/GB-Fed-Cup-team-progress-to-World-Group-II-play-offs/|url-status=dead}}

Watson won three rounds in qualifying for the French Open at Roland Garros in May 2012. She then defeated Elena Vesnina in the first round, matching her 2011 result in the tournament. In the second round, she was defeated by the 25th seed Julia Görges of Germany.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18289807|title=French Open: Heather Watson knocked out by Goerges |publisher=BBC|date=31 May 2012|access-date= 8 June 2012}}

In June, ranked No. 103, Watson defeated world No. 52, Iveta Benešová, in her first singles win at 2012 Wimbledon Championships.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/18572791|title=Wimbledon 2012: Heather Watson upsets Iveta Benesova|date=24 June 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She then beat Jamie Hampton, becoming the first British woman since 2002 to reach the third round of Wimbledon.{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon-2012/top-stories/Watson-ends-Britains-10-year-Wimbledon-wait/articleshow/14431936.cms | title= Watson ends Britain's 10-year Wimbledon wait| date=27 June 2012 | work=The Times of India}} In the third round, Watson lost to the third seed and eventual runner-up, Agnieszka Radwańska.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/18650488|title=Wimbledon 2012: Heather Watson loses to Agnieszka Radwanska|date=29 June 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At the Stanford Classic, Watson lost in the second round to world No. 37, Yanina Wickmayer, after a victory over the world No. 49, Sloane Stephens.{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Serena-Williams-moves-into-Stanford-Classic-third-round/articleshow/14834967.cms | title= Serena Williams moves into Stanford Classic third round| date=12 July 2012 | work=The Times of India}} She won the doubles competition of the Stanford Classic, where she played with Marina Erakovic to beat Vania King and Jarmila Gajdošová in a second set tiebreak. This was her first title on the full WTA Tour. At the Carlsbad Open, she beat Eleni Daniilidou to set up a second round meeting with qualifier Chan Yung-jan. However, she lost the match.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18900163|title=Heather Watson loses to Chan Yung-Jan in Carlsbad|work=BBC Sport |date=19 July 2012 |access-date=22 July 2012}}

She received an ITF wildcard into the singles tournament at the London Olympics, where she defeated Sílvia Soler Espinosa,{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18906012| title= Olympics tennis: Heather Watson & Laura Robson through| date=30 July 2012}} before losing her second-round match to Maria Kirilenko. She also played in the women's doubles in the Olympic tournament with Laura Robson, losing in the first round to Angelique Kerber and Sabine Lisicki.{{cite news| url=http://www.london2012.com/tennis/event/women-doubles/phase=tew002500/index.html| title=Olympics tennis Ladies Doubles| date=30 July 2012| access-date=15 August 2012| archive-date=2 April 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402024714/http://www.london2012.com/tennis/event/women-doubles/phase=tew002500/index.html| url-status=dead}} Her next tournament was the Texas Open where in the singles she lost to Yanina Wickmayer in the first round.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/19315288|title=Heather Watson & Laura Robson beaten at US events|date=20 August 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} However, she went on to win the doubles competition alongside Marina Erakovic.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/8016229/doubles-delight-for-watson|title=Doubles delight for Watson|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson gained automatic entry into the main draw of the US Open but was beaten in the first round by Li Na.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/9502041/US-Open-2012-Heather-Watson-beaten-by-Chinas-Li-Na-after-rain-interrupts-play-for-2-hours.html|title=US Open 2012: Heather Watson beaten by China's Li Na after rain interrupts play for 2½ hours|date=27 August 2012 |publisher=The Telegraph|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She then qualified for the Pan Pacific Open and beat Sabine Lisicki in the first round,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/sep/24/heather-watson-sabine-lisicki-tokyo|title=Heather Watson sees off Sabine Lisicki in Toray Pan Pacific first round|work=The Guardian|date=24 September 2012 |accessdate=1 August 2024}} but then lost to Maria Sharapova.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/19713407|title=Heather Watson loses to Maria Sharapova at Pan Pacific Open|date=25 September 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson made a WTA Tour singles final for the first time in her career at the HP Open where she beat Polona Hercog, sixth seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, Pauline Parmentier and Misaki Doi. In the final, she saved four match points to beat Chang Kai-chen in a match lasting 3 hours and 12 minutes.{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/espn/sport/story/174712.html|title=History made by Heather Watson in Osaka|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=1 August 2024}} With this win, Watson attained a top-50 ranking for the first time in her career, at the same time overtaking compatriot Laura Robson as the British No. 1. Watson also became the first Briton to win a WTA singles title since Sara Gomer in 1988. She also made the doubles final in the same event with Kimiko Date-Krumm, but lost to Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19940002 | title=Heather Watson beats Chang Kai-chen to win Japan Open | publisher=BBC | date=14 October 2012 | access-date=14 October 2012}}

File:Fed Cup Group I 2013 Europe Africa day 3 Heather Watson 009.JPG]]

Watson began the year in the top 50 and therefore qualified for the Australian Open. She reached the second round for the first time in her career thanks to a three-set victory against the Romanian Alexandra Cadanțu.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21008496 | title=Australian Open 2013: Heather Watson reaches second round | publisher=BBC | date=14 January 2013 | access-date=14 January 2013}} In the second round, she came back from trailing Ksenia Pervak by a set and 6–3 in the tie break, to win in three sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/21038650|title=Australian Open 2013: Heather Watson beats Ksenia Pervak|date=16 January 2013 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She faced world No. 4, Agnieszka Radwańska, in the third round, where she was beaten in two sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/21071729|title=Australian Open 2013: Heather Watson loses to Radwanska|date=18 January 2013 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} This run saw Watson rise to a career-high world ranking of 40.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/21242289|title=Heather Watson and Laura Robson rise in world rankings|date=29 January 2013 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson's next tournament was the Pattaya Open where she was eighth seed and reached the second round but lost to Anastasija Sevastova.{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/sport/2013/02/01/watson-and-simpson-defeated/|title=Watson and Simpson defeated|date=February 2013 |publisher=Guernsey Press|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She then competed in the Fed Cup, helping Great Britain reach a World Group II Play-off tie with victories over Tímea Babos of Hungary{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/21394246|title=Fed Cup: Laura Robson & Heather Watson win as GB beat Hungary|date=9 February 2013 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} and Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria in the Euro/Africa Group I Play-off.{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/sport/2013/02/11/watson-digs-in-for-gb/|title=Watson digs in for GB|date=11 February 2013 |publisher=Guernsey Press|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Her next tournament was the U.S. National Indoor Championships in Memphis where she was seeded fourth. In the first round, she overcame a tense battle with world No. 109, Galina Voskoboeva.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/8507323/heather-watson-overcomes-galina-voskoboeva-at-the-us-national-indoor-tennis-championships|title=Heather Watson overcomes Galina Voskoboeva at the US National Indoor Tennis Championships|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}} She then defeated Andrea Hlaváčková in another three-setter{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/8512838/us-national-indoor-tennis-championships-heather-watson-wins-in-three-sets|title=US National Indoor Tennis Championships: Heather Watson wins in three sets|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=1 August 2024}} before losing to Stefanie Vögele in the quarterfinals.{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/sport/2013/02/22/watson-crashes-2/|title=Watson Crashes|date=22 February 2013 |publisher=Guernsey Press|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson was forced to miss Great Britain's Fed Cup Play-off against Argentina after contracting glandular fever. Her first game back after recovering was at the French Open, where she lost to Stefanie Vögele in three sets, saying after the match she knew it would be tough but that she was very disappointed.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/22702166 | title=Heather Watson loses to Stefanie Voegele at French Open | publisher=BBC | date=29 May 2013 | access-date=5 June 2013}}

Beginning the grass-court season, she entered the Birmingham Classic seeded 14th and defeated Melinda Czink in the first round,{{cite web|url=https://www3.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/LTA-summer-grass-court-events/Aegon-Classic/News/2013/Heather-Watson-wins-in-Aegon-Classic-round-one/|title=Heather Watson wins in Aegon Classic round one|publisher=LTA|accessdate=1 August 2024}} her first victory since returning from her illness before she lost to qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/watson-and-robson-sent-packing-in-birmingham_sto3799214/story.shtml|title=Watson and Robson sent packing in Birmingham|publisher=Eurosport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} At the Eastbourne International, Watson upset world No. 27, Varvara Lepchenko, in the first round in two sets.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/8780846/aegon-international-heather-watson-sends-world-number-27-varvara-lepchenko-packing|title=AEGON International: Heather Watson sends world number 27 Varvara Lepchenko packing|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}} At Wimbledon, she lost in the first round to Madison Keys.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/23049827.amp|title=Heather Watson is knocked out of Wimbledon in first round|date=25 June 2013 |publisher=BBC Newsround|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Before the US Open Series, she decided to change coaches by hiring Jeremy Bates{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/23480009|title=Heather Watson splits with coach Mauricio Hadad|date=27 July 2013 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=1 August 2024}} and won her first post-Wimbledon match against wildcard Alexandra Mueller at the Washington Open.{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/226237.html|title=Wins for Watson and Robson|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=1 August 2024}} Watson then lost in the next round to fourth-seed Alizé Cornet, in straight sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/23543305|title=Heather Watson loses to Alize Cornet in Washington|date=August 2013 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

File:Heather Watson Cagnes 2014.JPG]]

Watson qualified for the Australian Open.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/25690137|title=Australian Open 2014: Heather Watson comes through qualifiers|date=11 January 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She faced 31st seed Daniela Hantuchová and lost in three sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/25708170|title=Australian Open 2014: Laura Robson & Heather Watson beaten|date=13 January 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

In Fed Cup Watson continued her impressive run winning all four of her singles rubbers in the Europe/Africa Zone. Despite her victories, which included two top 40 scalps defeating Yvonne Meusburger of Austria{{cite web|url=https://www3.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2014/Great-Britain-defeats-Austria-Fed-Cup-in-Play-off-Match/|title=Great Britain defeats Austria Fed Cup in Play-off Match|publisher=LTA|accessdate=1 August 2024}} and Romanian world No. 26, Sorana Cîrstea,{{cite web|url=https://www3.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Fed-Cup/News/2014/Romania-defeat-GB-in-Fed-Cup/|title=Romania defeat GB in Fed Cup|publisher=LTA|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson then proceeded to compete at the second-tier Midland Classic where she defeated Ksenia Pervak in the final to win her fourth ITF title and, partnering Anna Tatishvili, she also reached the doubles final and won after a deciding champions tiebreak.{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/sport/2014/02/17/watson-triumphs-in-style-in-michigan/|title=Watson triumphs in style in Michigan|date=17 February 2014 |publisher=Guernsey Press |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson re-entered the WTA top 100 after winning the Sparta Prague Open in May. She defeated three top-100 players – Klára Koukalová, Karolína Plíšková and Tímea Babos – en route to the final of the $100k event. Due to poor weather, Watson was forced to play her semifinal with Babos on the final's day. She claimed a two-set victory, before defeating sixth seed Anna Karolína Schmiedlová (who had played most of her semifinal the day before) in the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/18/heather-watson-top-100-sparta-prague-open|title=Heather Watson back in top 100 after victory in Sparta Prague Open|work=The Guardian|date=18 May 2014 |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Her impressive form carried over to the French Open where she came through three rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw. In the first round, Watson defeated Barbora Záhlavová-Strýcová in straight sets{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/french-open-2014-heather-watson-extends-winning-run-to-advance-at-roland-garros-9440606.html|title=French Open 2014: Heather Watson extends winning run to advance at Roland Garros|work=The Independent|accessdate=1 August 2024}} before falling to world No. 4, Simona Halep, in the second round.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/30780/9330896/french-open-2014-british-no-2-heather-watson-out-after-losing-to-simona-halep|title=French Open 2014: Britain's Heather Watson out after losing to Simona Halep in Paris|publisher=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At Eastbourne, she defeated sixth seed Flavia Pennetta, in three sets, in the second round{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/18/heather-watson-beat-flavia-pennetta-eastbourne|title=Heather Watson powers back to beat Flavia Pennetta at Eastbourne|work=The Guardian|date=18 June 2014 |accessdate=1 August 2024}} on the way to the semifinals where she lost to Madison Keys.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/27945839|title=Eastbourne: Heather Watson loses semi-final to Madison Keys|date=20 June 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At Wimbledon where she played Ajla Tomljanović and defeated her in straight sets.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/30879/9360120/wimbledon-2014-heather-watson-wins-as-maria-sharapova-crushes-samantha-murray|title=Wimbledon 2014: Heather Watson wins as Maria Sharapova crushes Samantha Murray|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}} She then played Angelique Kerber, the ninth seed, in the second round losing in three sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/26/wimbledon-2014-heather-watson-angelique-kerber|title=Wimbledon 2014: Heather Watson battles but Angelique Kerber advances|work=The Guardian|date=26 June 2014 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Lewis |first1=Tim }}

Watson won her third career doubles title at the Baku Cup, partnering with Alexandra Panova. In the final, they crushed Raluca Olaru and Shahar Pe'er.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/28510019|title=Heather Watson and Alexandra Panova win WTA Baku Cup|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 July 2014|access-date=27 July 2014}}

Watson qualified for the Rogers Cup, making it to the third round where she was defeated by eighth seed Victoria Azarenka.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/aug/08/heather-watson-victoria-azarenka-rogers-cup|title=Heather Watson beaten in third round of Rogers Cup by Victoria Azarenka|work=The Guardian|date=8 August 2014 |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

She then qualifyed for the Cincinnati Open, before losing to Zhang Shuai in the first round in three sets.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/9417788/wta-western-and-southern-open-heather-watson-loses-6-3-2-6-7-5-to-zhang-shuai|title=WTA Western & Southern Open: Heather Watson loses 6-3 2-6 7-5 to Zhang Shuai|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson won her second tour title at the Hobart International. On her way to it she did not drop a set, beating Madison Brengle in the final.{{cite web|url=https://www3.lta.org.uk/News/2015/January/12-01-15/Heather-Watson-wins-Hobart-International/|title=Heather Watson wins Hobart International!|publisher=LTA|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

During the Indian Wells Open, she recorded her first top-ten win with a two-set victory over world No. 8 Agnieszka Radwańska to move into the fourth round for the first time,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/31900293|title=Heather Watson beats Agnieszka Radwanska in Indian Wells|date=15 March 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} where she lost to Carla Suárez Navarro in three sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/17/heather-watson-carla-suarez-navarro|title=Heather Watson runs out of steam against Carla Suárez Navarro|work=The Guardian |date=17 March 2015 |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At Wimbledon, Watson made it into the third round for the second time in her career. She was then pitted against the world No. 1, Serena Williams, and was two points away from winning, but lost in three sets in a match described by pundits as a "thriller".{{Cite web|date=2015-07-03|title=Heather Watson pushes Serena Williams to limit before bowing out in thriller|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jul/03/heather-watson-serena-williams-wimbledon|access-date=2020-10-24|website=the Guardian}}{{Cite news|title=Watson loses to Williams in thriller|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/33390494|access-date=2020-10-24}} Following the match, Williams applauded Watson's efforts and went on to say that "she should have won the match".{{Cite web|date=2015-07-03|title='Watson deserved to win the match,' concedes Serena|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon-2015-heather-watson-deserved-win-match-concedes-world-no-1-serena-williams-after-gruelling-contest-10365327.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220509/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon-2015-heather-watson-deserved-win-match-concedes-world-no-1-serena-williams-after-gruelling-contest-10365327.html |archive-date=9 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-24|website=The Independent}} Watson's efforts at Wimbledon pushed her back up to world No. 55.

Over the course of the rest of the season, her best result was a quarterfinal showing at the Hong Kong Open where she lost to former major champion Samantha Stosur.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/34547347|title=Heather Watson loses to Samantha Stosur in Hong Kong|date=16 October 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson represented her nation at the Hopman Cup with Andy Murray. She was beaten by Caroline Garcia in the tie against France, but went on to win against Daria Gavrilova and Sabine Lisicki. Great Britain almost reached the final against Ukraine, but the Australia team of Daria Gavrilova and Nick Kyrgios won their tie against France, placing them ahead of Great Britain in the round-robin results.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/08/great-britain-miss-out-on-place-in-hopman-cup-final-andy-murray-heather-watson|title=Great Britain denied a place in Hopman Cup final|work=The Guardian|date=8 January 2016|access-date=19 January 2016}}

As the world No. 53, Watson then started her season at the Hobart International, attempting to defend her title. The tournament was interrupted by multiple rain delays,{{cite web|url=http://sportinglife.aol.co.uk/tennis/news/article/22887/10128546/heather-watson-held-up-by-rain-at-the-wta-hobart-international|title=Rain delays Watson at Hobart|work=Sporting Life|date=13 January 2016|access-date=19 January 2016|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127151918/http://sportinglife.aol.co.uk/tennis/news/article/22887/10128546/heather-watson-held-up-by-rain-at-the-wta-hobart-international|url-status=dead}} with Watson losing in the quarterfinals, playing twice in one day.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/35313422|title=Heather Watson loses in Hobart International last eight|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 January 2016|access-date=19 January 2016}} At the Australian Open, she was narrowly beaten in the first round by Tímea Babos.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/18/heather-watson-defeat-timea-babos-australian-open|title=Heather Watson snatches defeat from jaws of victory against Tímea Babos|work=The Guardian|date=18 January 2016|access-date=19 January 2016}}

In Mexico at the Monterrey Open, Watson defeated No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki and No. 4 seed Caroline Garcia on her way to the title, beating Kirsten Flipkens in the championship match for her third WTA title.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/35741713 |title=Monterrey Open: Heather Watson beats Kirsten Flipkens in final |publisher=BBC |date=7 March 2016|access-date=7 March 2016}}

At the Miami Open, her strong form continued with two wins over higher-ranked players including world No. 22, Sloane Stephens,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/15061129/heather-watson-beats-sloane-stephens-miami-open|title=Heather Watson crushes Sloane Stephens at Miami Open|date=24 March 2016 |publisher=ESPN|accessdate=1 August 2024}} before a fourth round defeat by world No. 5, Simona Halep.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10221317/heather-watson-beaten-in-straight-sets-by-simona-halep-in-miami|title=Heather Watson beaten in straight sets by Simona Halep in Miami|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

On grass courts, Watson's second-round appearance at the Birmingham Classic with a win over Camila Giorgi resulted in her re-entry into the world's top 50.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/36520793|title=Heather Watson: Briton beats Camila Giorgi to progress at Aegon Classic|date=13 June 2016 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At Wimbledon, she won the mixed doubles title with Henri Kontinen, defeating Robert Farah and Anna-Lena Grönefeld in the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/36758692|title=Wimbledon 2016: Heather Watson and Henri Kontinen claim mixed doubles title|date=10 July 2016 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon-2016-heather-watson-left-delirious-as-joke-with-henri-kontinen-leaves-her-a-champion-a7130051.html|title=Wimbledon 2016: Heather Watson left delirious as 'joke' with partner Henri Kontinen leaves her a champion|work=The Independent|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson represented Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympics.{{cite web|url=https://www.lta.org.uk/news/tennis-players-named-to-represent-team-gb-at-rio-olympic-games/|title=Four tennis players named to represent Team GB at Rio Olympic Games|date=24 June 2016 |publisher=LTA|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Starting the year at the Hopman Cup partnered with Daniel Evans, the duo were knocked out in the group stages, between them winning only one of nine matches. In Melbourne at the Australian Open, Watson beat seeded Samantha Stosur to get through to the second round.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38646307 |title=Australian Open 2017: Johanna Konta, Heather Watson and Kyle Edmund win |publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2017}}  She was the Europe/Africa Zone Group I 2017 winner of the Fed Cup Heart Award, which is awarded for commitment to their players team and the Fed Cup competition.{{cite web |url=http://www.fedcup.com/en/news/256827.aspx |title=HEART AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED |publisher=Fed Cup |date=3 April 2017 |access-date=21 April 2017 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330010952/https://www.fedcup.com/en/news/256827.aspx |url-status=dead }}

Watson was runner-up at the ITF event of Surbiton{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/40240799|title=Heather Watson: British number two beaten in Surbiton Trophy final|date=11 June 2017 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} and reached Eastbourne semifinals, defeating top-10 player Dominika Cibulková in the second round,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/40404642|title=Eastbourne: Heather Watson shocks Dominika Cibulková in second round|date=2017-06-26|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-06-29}} Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third{{Cite news|url=http://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/wta-eastbourne/2017/live-anastasia-pavlyuchenkova-heather-watson_mtc949415/live.shtml|title=LIVE Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova – Heather Watson – WTA Eastbourne – 29 June 2017|date=2017-06-29|work=Eurosport British|access-date=2017-06-29}} and Barbora Strýcová in the quarterfinals,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/40445625|title=Eastbourne 2017: Johanna Konta beats top seed Angelique Kerber|date=2017-06-29|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-06-29}} before falling to Caroline Wozniacki.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/40457728|title=Heather Watson loses to Caroline Wozniacki in Eastbourne semi-finals|date=2017-06-30|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-06-30}} At Wimbledon, she defeated 18th seed Anastasija Sevastova in the second round{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/05/heather-watson-wimbledon-anastasija-sevastova|title=Heather Watson sets up meeting with Azarenka after demolition of No18 seed|work=The Guardian|date=5 July 2017 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Steinberg |first1=Jacob |last2=Cambers |first2=Simon }} before bowing out against Victoria Azarenka in three sets.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/07/heather-watson-wimbledon-victoria-azarenka|title=Heather Watson out of Wimbledon after three-set defeat to Victoria Azarenka|work=The Guardian|date=7 July 2017 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Steinberg |first1=Jacob }}

A first round defeat at the Prague Open in April to Anna Karolína Schmiedlová was Watson's eighth consecutive loss on the WTA Tour.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/43954910|title=Prague Open: Britain's Heather Watson loses to Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in straight sets|date=30 April 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She finally snapped her losing streak when she defeated Kateryna Bondarenko in the first round of the Nuremberg Cup at the end of May to record her first win in four months.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/44209855|title=Heather Watson: British number two ends four-month losing streak|work=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2018 |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

As the top seed, Watson lost in the first round of the Surbiton Trophy to world No. 184, Gabriella Taylor.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/44376874|title=Surbiton Trophy: Dan Evans wins as Heather Watson loses to Gabriella Taylor|date=5 June 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} and went on to fail to win a match during the grass-court season.

Watson was docked a point for swearing as she and Tatjana Maria lost to Katerina Siniaková and Barbora Krejčíková in the doubles quarterfinals in Wimbledon.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/44801979|title=Heather Watson penalised for swearing in Wimbledon doubles defeat|date=2018-07-11|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2018-07-12}}

At San Jose she beat Claire Liu before succumbing to Venus Williams.{{Cite news|url=https://asia.eurosport.com/tennis/wta-stanford/2018/venus-williams-tops-britain-s-heather-watson-in-san-jose_sto6871736/story.shtml|title=Venus Williams tops Britain's Heather Watson in San Jose|date=2018-08-03|access-date=2020-03-02}}{{dead link|date=January 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Watson showed signs of form when she reached the final of an ITF event in Canada, before losing to Misaki Doi.{{cite web|url=https://vanopen.com/misaki-doi-of-japan-wins-2018-odlum-brown-vanopen-womens-singles-title-over-heather-watson-of-great-britain/|title=Misaki Doi of Japan Wins 2018 Odlum Brown VanOpen Women's Singles Title over Heather Watson of Great Britain|date=20 August 2018 |publisher=VAN Open|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She carried this form into the US Open qualifying where she won three successive matches to reach the main draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/us-open/2018/heather-watson-qualifies-for-us-open-with-win-over-compatriot-katie-swan_sto6900228/story.shtml|title=Heather Watson qualifies for US Open with win over compatriot Katie Swan|publisher=Eurosport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} However, Watson was unable to get her first main-draw win in New York as she lost in three sets to Ekaterina Makarova.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/45325355|title=US Open 2018: Heather Watson loses to Ekaterina Makarova in first round|date=27 August 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} Watson reached the semifinals in Quebec, but lost in a deciding set tiebreak against Pauline Parmentier.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/45537422|title=Heather Watson beaten by Pauline Parmentier in Quebec semi-finals|date=15 September 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

In October 2019, she reached the final of the Tianjin Open, which she lost to Rebecca Peterson.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/50033434|title=Tianjin Open: Heather Watson beaten by Rebecca Peterson in final|date=13 October 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Her 2020 season started well, reaching the semifinals as a qualifier in Hobart. On her way to the semifinals, Watson defeated top seed Elise Mertens,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51132188|title=Heather Watson reaches Hobart International semi-finals after rain-delayed win|date=16 January 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} before losing to eventual champion Elena Rybakina.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51146361|title=Britain's Heather Watson beaten in Hobart International semi-finals|date=17 January 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She took this form to the Australian Open, where she defeated Kristýna Plíšková in the opening round,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51202064|title=Australian Open: Heather Watson into second round but Dan Evans loses|date=22 January 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=1 August 2024}} before losing to Mertens.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/australian-open-2020-heather-watson-results-scores-elise-mertens-a9298011.html|title=Australian Open 2020: Heather Watson admits she was 'too slow' in one-sided loss to Elise Mertens|work=The Independent|date=23 January 2020 |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

In the Fed Cup Play-offs, Watson represented Great Britain in their crunch tie away in Slovakia. She lost to Anna Karolína Schmiedlová in the opening tie, before beating Rebecca Sramkova on the following day.{{Cite news|url=https://www.teamgb.com/news/watson-s-efforts-not-enough-for-gb-in-fed-cup-tie|title=Watson's efforts not enough for GB in Fed Cup tie|date=2020-02-08|work=Team GB|access-date=2020-03-01}} Great Britain eventually lost the tie 1–3.{{cite web|url=https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/billie-jean-king-cup/news/gb-fall-to-slovakia/|title=Fed Cup: Brits battle bravely before falling 3-1|date=2 August 2020 |publisher=LTA|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

In February 2020, Watson played at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, winning her fourth career singles title. She defeated CoCo Vandeweghe, Kateryna Bondarenko, Christina McHale and Wang Xiyu to reach the final, where she overcame qualifier Leylah Fernandez in three sets, clinching the match on her tenth championship point.{{Cite news|url=https://thebigracket.co.uk/2020/03/01/mexican-magic-heather-watson-breaks-top-50-with-acapulco-title/|title=Mexican Magic: Heather Watson breaks top 50 with Acapulco title

|date=2020-03-01|work=The Big Racket|access-date=2020-03-01}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1631090/watson-battles-past-fernandez-in-acapulco-for-fourth-career-title|title=Watson battles past Fernandez in Acapulco for fourth career title|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=13 December 2024}} The win propelled Watson back into the world's top 50 (No. 49) for the first time since 2016.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

She participated in the [https://www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/british-major-events/battle-of-the-brits/ Battle of the Brits Team Tennis] event, held in London in late July, notching up a number of wins in singles and teaming up with Jamie Murray in mixed doubles.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

When the WTA Tour resumed following the COVID-19 pause, Watson lost in the first round at Flushing Meadows to British No. 1 and world No. 13, Johanna Konta.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/32833/12061089/us-open-johanna-konta-knocks-out-heather-watson-to-reach-second-round|title=US Open: Johanna Konta knocks out Heather Watson to reach second round|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson won the [https://www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/british-major-events/battle-of-the-brits-premier-league-of-tennis/ Battle of the Brits Premier League] women's event, held in December 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/british-major-events/battle-of-the-brits-premier-league-of-tennis/news/watson-and-matusevich-crowned-battle-of-the-brits-premier-league-of-tennis-champions/|title = Watson and Matusevich crowned Battle of the Brits Premier League of Tennis champions| date=23 December 2020 }}

The highlight of Watson's 2021 season was a semifinal appearance at the Birmingham Classic, defeating third seed Donna Vekić, 6–4, 6–2, to become just the third Brit player to reach the last four in the Birmingham tournament's 31-year history, following Anne Hobbs in 1984 and Jo Durie in 1992.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2175145/jabeur-kasatkina-pull-double-duty-to-set-birmingham-final|title = Jabeur, Kasatkina pull double duty to set Birmingham final}} She also took part in her third Olympics at the delayed Tokyo Games.{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2021-06-24/heather-watson-selected-to-represent-team-gb-at-tokyo-olympic-games|title=Heather Watson selected to represent Team GB at Tokyo Olympic Games|publisher=ITV|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At the Australian Open beating Mayar Sherif in a close three-set encounter,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/18/heather-watson-australian-open-tennis-second-round-but-dart-crashes-out|title=Watson through to Australian Open second round but Dart crashes out|work=The Guardian|date=18 January 2022 |accessdate=1 August 2024 |last1=Media |first1=P. A. }} before losing to Zidanšek.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/60070825|title=Australian Open 2022: Radacanu, Murray and Watson out of the grand slam|newspaper=BBC Newsround|date=20 January 2022 |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

She qualified for the main draw at Indian Wells where lost in the first round to Tereza Martincová.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/wta-indian-wells/2022/indian-wells-2022-disappointment-for-the-brits-as-heather-watson-and-katie-boulter-crash-out_sto8837695/story.shtml|title=Indian Wells 2022 – Disappointment for the Brits as Heather Watson and Katie Boulter crash out|publisher=Eurosport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At the Miami Open, Watson broke a six-year losing streak at the event when she defeated Arantxa Rus in the first round where after a 3-hour 25 minute battle.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60840111|title=Miami Open: Heather Watson wins against Arantxa Rus to end six-year losing streak|date=22 March 2022 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} She then overcame 15th seed Elina Svitolina{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60868473|title=Miami Open: Emma Raducanu loses in second round as Heather Watson advances|date=24 March 2022 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} before losing her next match to 22nd seed Belinda Bencic.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/wta-miami/2022/very-tricky-heather-watson-loses-to-belinda-bencic-in-straight-sets-in-the-third-round-of-the-miami-_sto8861769/story.shtml|title='Very tricky' Heather Watson loses to Belinda Bencic in straight sets in the third round of the Miami Open|publisher=Eurosport|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At the Nottingham Open, she defeated Katie Volynets in the first round despite needing a medical timeout towards the end of the first set.{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/sport/2022/06/07/watson-defies-injury-to-win-nottingham-opener/|title=Watson defies injury to win Nottingham opener|date=7 June 2022 |publisher=Guernsey Press|accessdate=1 August 2024}} In the second round, however, she lost in straight sets to Viktoria Golubic.{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/sport/2022/06/09/golubic-too-strong-for-watson-in-nottingham/|title=Golubic too strong for Watson in Nottingham|date=9 June 2022 |publisher=Guernsey Press|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

In her 12th attempt, Watson finally reached the fourth round at Wimbledon defeating Kaja Juvan,{{cite web | url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2664252/in-12th-wimbledon-watson-through-to-first-fourth-round-jabeur-rolls-on | title=In 12th Wimbledon, Watson through to first fourth round; Jabeur rolls on }} before she lost to Jule Niemeier.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/heather-watson-wimbledon-2022-jule-niemeier-b2114812.html|title=Heather Watson denied Wimbledon quarter-final by Jule Niemeier after Centre Court celebration|work=The Independent|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At the close of the season she helped the Great Britain team reach the semifinals of the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup{{cite web|url=https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/billie-jean-king-cup/news/finals-2022-great-britain-through-to-first-semi-finals-since-1981/|title=Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2022: Great Britain through to first semi-finals since 1981|date=11 October 2022 |publisher=LTA|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At the 2023 Australian Open, she went out in the first round of qualifying. It was the first year since 2012 that she did not play the main draw in Melbourne.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/31870/12782926/australian-open-heather-watson-knocked-out-in-qualifying-for-2023-tournament|title=Australian Open: Heather Watson knocked out in qualifying for 2023 tournament|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

She reached her first WTA Tour quarterfinal in almost two years at Hua Hin with wins over second seed Yulia Putintseva{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12040/12799780/heather-watson-shocks-yulia-putintseva-to-win-at-thailand-open|title=Heather Watson shocks Yulia Putintseva to win at Thailand Open|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}} and Han Na-lae.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/12801338/heather-watson-beats-na-lae-han-to-reach-last-eight-at-thailand-open|title=Heather Watson beats Na-Lae Han to reach last eight at Thailand Open|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}} She lost in the last eight to seventh seed Wang Xinyu.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/12802030/heather-watson-loses-to-wang-xinyu-in-thailand-open-quarter-finals|title=Heather Watson loses to Wang Xinyu in Thailand Open quarter-finals|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

Watson made it through qualifying at the Austin Open where she defeated Danka Kovinić in the first round,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/64794233|title=Heather Watson beats Danka Kovinic in first round in Texas|date=28 February 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} before losing to fifth seed Sloane Stephens.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/tennis/news/battling-heather-watson-loses-to-sloane-stephens-in-atx-open_507932.html|title=Battling Heather Watson loses to Sloane Stephens in ATX Open|date=2 March 2023 |publisher=Sports Mole|accessdate=1 August 2024}}

At the 2023 Nottingham Open, she made her first tour semifinal since 2021 with wins over Jule Niemeier,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/65845071|title=Nottingham Open 2023 results: Britain's Heather Watson beats Jule Niemeier|date=12 June 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} Tatjana Maria{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/65742397|title=Nottingham Open 2023: Heather Watson and George Loffhagen into quarter-finals but Liam Broady and Arthur Fery lose|date=14 June 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} and Viktorija Golubic.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/65929790|title=Nottingham Open 2023: Jodie Burrage, Katie Boulter and Heather Watson reach semi-finals|date=16 June 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=1 August 2024}} Her run was ended by eventual champion Katie Boulter.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/12904091/katie-boulter-defeats-heather-watson-to-reach-her-first-wta-tour-final-in-nottingham|title=Katie Boulter defeats Heather Watson to reach her first WTA Tour final in Nottingham|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=1 August 2024}}

After being given a wildcard entry, Watson lost to Greet Minnen in the first round at Wimbledon.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/cqql5dx49dqo|title=Watson 'just wasn't good enough' in Wimbledon loss|date=2 July 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=5 July 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/01/stan-wawrinka-wimbledon-charles-broom-heather-watson-tennis|title=Kartal and Miyazaki pull off Wimbledon wins but Broom and Watson go out|work= The Guardian|date=July 2024 |accessdate=5 July 2024 |last1=Wood |first1=Greg }}

She was selected to play doubles alongside Katie Boulter at the 2024 Summer Olympics which was her fourth appearance at the Games.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/olympic-games-paris-2024-women/2024/paris-2024-heather-watson-determined-to-outdo-london-2012-olympic-memories-after-first-round-wimbledon-exit_sto20014696/story.shtml|title=Paris 2024: Heather Watson determined to outdo London 2012 Olympic memories after first-round Wimbledon exit|date=1 July 2024|accessdate=15 September 2024|publisher=Eurosport}}{{cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/sport/2024/07/02/fourth-games-is-a-silver-lining-for-heather/|title=Fourth Games is a silver lining for Heather|date=2 July 2024 |publisher=Guernsey Press|accessdate=5 July 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.teamgb.com/article/doubles-pairing-confirmed-for-paris-2024/7FjPwoPSdDCKoWzpKpmVFr|title=Doubles pairing confirmed for Paris 2024|publisher=Team GB|accessdate=5 July 2024}} The pair reached the quarterfinals, defeating sixth seeded Brazilian duo Beatriz Haddad Maia and Luisa Stefani in the second round,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/articles/cnl045r9xddo|title=Boulter & Watson reach women's doubles quarter-finals|date=31 July 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=31 July 2024}} before losing to third seeds and eventual gold medalists, Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini from Italy.{{cite web|url=https://gsy.bailiwickexpress.com/gsy/sport/watson-out-after-quarter-final-loss/|title=Watson out after quarter-final loss|date=August 2024 |publisher=Bailiwick Express|accessdate=1 August 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/olympic-games-paris-2024/2024/katie-boulter-heather-watson-lose-team-gb-tennis-doubles_sto20023984/story.shtml|title=Paris 2024: Team GB's Katie Boulter and Heather Watson out of Olympics after defeat to Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani|publisher=Eurosport|accessdate=1 August 2024}} Watson went out in the second qualifying round for the US Open, losing in straight sets to Aliaksandra Sasnovich.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/32833/13200887/heather-watson-out-of-us-open-qualifying-as-sonay-kartal-and-lily-miyazaki-progress-to-final-round|title=Heather Watson out of US Open qualifying as Sonay Kartal and Lily Miyazaki progress to final round|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=22 August 2024}}

Watson qualified for the newly upgraded WTA 500 Korea Open, defeating Ku Yeon-woo in the final round of the qualifying competition.{{cite tweet|url=https://x.com/the_LTA/status/1835247849249890810|title=👊 @HeatherWatson92 qualifies for the @WTA Seoul! Heather beat Yeon Woo Ku 7-5, 6-3 to reach the main draw in Korea #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧|number=1835247849249890810|user=the_LTA|date=15 September 2024}} She overcame Lu Jiajing in the first round to record only her third main draw singles win of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/cjd551d8n3eo|title=Watson makes winning start at Korea Open|date=16 September 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=16 September 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13216025/heather-watson-into-korea-open-last-16-after-straight-sets-win-over-chinas|title=Heather Watson into Korea Open last 16 after straight sets win over China's Lu Jiajing|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=16 September 2024}} This was her twelfth win in fourteen singles matches [https://www.tennisexplorer.com/player/watson-4ffc1/ 180]. Watson lost in the second round to Marta Kostyuk.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/c62d4ln8j3go|title=Watson beaten by Kostyuk at Korea Open|date=18 September 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=18 September 2024}}

At the Billie Jean King Cup finals in November, Watson and Olivia Nicholls lost to Viktória Hrunčáková and Tereza Mihalikova in the decivisve doubles match as Great Britain were eliminated in the semifinals by Slovakia.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/katie-boulter-emma-raducanu-great-britain-slovakia-heather-watson-b2649974.html|title=Great Britain suffer Billie Jean King Cup semi-final heartbreak against Slovakia|work=The Independent|date=19 November 2024 |accessdate=19 November 2024}}

Watson defeated Lola Radivojević to reach the second qualifying round at the Australian Open,{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/australian-open/2025/australian-open-2025-harriet-dart-heather-watson-second-round-qualifying-melbourne_sto20068406/story.shtml|title=Australian Open 2025: Harriet Dart and Heather Watson reach second qualifying round in Melbourne|publisher=Eurosport|accessdate=12 January 2025}} where she was eliminated by Varvara Lepchenko.{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/harriet-dart-australian-open-heather-watson-b1203529.html|title=Harriet Dart edges closer to Australian Open qualification but Heather Watson hopes end|date=8 January 2025 |publisher=London Evening Standard|accessdate=12 January 2025}}

In March at the WTA 125 Puerto Vallarta Open, Watson overcame Whitney Osuigwe,{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/puerto-vallarta-open-watson-moves-into-second-round-814765.html|title=Puerto Vallarta Open: Watson moves into second round|publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=29 March 2025}} sixth seed Sara Sorribes Tormo{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/puerto-vallarta-open-watson-upsets-6th-seed-sorribes-tormo-to-reach-quarter-finals-815116.html|title=Puerto Vallarta Open: Watson upsets 6th seed Sorribes Tormo to reach quarter-finals|publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=29 March 2025}} and Marina Stakusic{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/puerto-vallarta-open-watson-moves-into-semi-finals-815198.html|title=Puerto Vallarta Open: Watson moves into semi-finals|publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=29 March 2025}} to reach the semifinals, where she lost to Linda Fruhvirtová.{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/fruhvirtova-defeats-watson-in-puerto-vallarta-semi-finals-815396.html|title=Fruhvirtova defeats Watson in Puerto Vallarta semi-finals|publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=30 March 2025}}

Watson played a number of ITF tournaments in Japan during the clay season where she made a quarter final and semi final to get more matches under her belt for 2025. Watson lost in the first round of qualifying at the French Open to close friend Daria Saville.

Watson moved onto the grass court season where she received a wildcard at the WTA 125k Birmingham event. Watson beat Olivia Gadecki in round one to lose in a very close second round match to Jessika Ponchet. Watson entered the inaugural WTA 500 Queens women’s event into qualifying after not receiving a wildcard into the main draw. Due to rain delays, Watson had to play two matches in one day, her first being against Shibahara. Watson won in a close three sets after getting a decisive break in the third. Watson then played Sonmez, a top 100 player to make the main draw. Watson made this a convincing win in straight sets, 6-0, 6-3, to qualify for the main draw.

Watson is right-handed and plays with a two-handed backhand. Her game is often likened to that of Martina Hingis and she has been praised by Nick Bollettieri for her "amazing footwork".{{cite news|title=Watson into first round of AEGON International – The National|url=http://www.thenational.com.pg/watson-into-first-round-of-aegon-international/|work=The National|date=15 June 2010}} Her on-court intelligence, court sense and timing have been other talking points about her game.{{cite web|url=http://www.onthebaseline.com/2010/01/02/one-to-watch-heather-watson/ |title=One To Watch: Heather Watson – On the Baseline Tennis News |publisher=Onthebaseline.com |date=2010-01-03 |access-date=2013-09-14}} According to Nigel Sears, head of women's coaching at the Lawn Tennis Association, Watson possesses "a complete game",{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/6188408/US-Open-2009-Heather-Watson-and-Laura-Robson-lead-new-era-of-Britistalent.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918021536/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/6188408/US-Open-2009-Heather-Watson-and-Laura-Robson-lead-new-era-of-Britistalent.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 September 2012 | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=US Open 2009: Heather Watson and Laura Robson lead new era of British talent | first=Andrew | last=Baker | date=14 September 2009 | access-date=4 May 2010}} with variety including a consistent one-handed backhand slice, volleys and angles. Her game has been described as similar to ATP player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga due to her "big serve" and athleticism.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/8536974/Brian-Moore-Heather-Watson-a-minority-figure-in-an-exclusive-British-club.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/8536974/Brian-Moore-Heather-Watson-a-minority-figure-in-an-exclusive-British-club.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Brian Moore: Heather Watson a minority figure in an exclusive British club |newspaper=The Telegraph|location=London|date=26 May 2011}}{{cbignore}}

Upon Watson reaching the 2011 French Open second round, Andy Murray commented "When I saw her for the first time, I thought she was good. I like the way she moves on the court. She's very balanced".{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/french-open-2011/top-stories/Happy-Murray-salutes-teen-compatriot-Watson/articleshow/8557667.cms|title='Happy' Murray salutes teen compatriot Watson |work=The Times of India |date=25 May 2011|access-date=25 May 2011}} Bollettieri stated that Watson's "game is based on great movement, but she's not afraid to whack the ball. She's not easy to beat. She has very good ground strokes, though she can over-hit and strike the ball a little too flat at times".{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nick-bollettieri-take-it-from-me-feisty-watson-has-what-it-takes-2288486.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220509/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nick-bollettieri-take-it-from-me-feisty-watson-has-what-it-takes-2288486.html |archive-date=9 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Nick Bollettieri: Take it from me, feisty Watson has what it takes |work=The Independent |date=25 May 2011|access-date=25 May 2011|location=London}}

In 2011, Watson used the Dunlop Biomimetic 300 Tour tennis racquet,{{cite news|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/dunlop_signs_british_tennis_sensation/|title=Dunlop signs British tennis sensation |publisher=ESPN|date=21 July 2011|access-date=21 July 2011}}

and has also played with, and endorsed, the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 LS.{{cite news|url=https://dunlopsports.com/team/tennis/pros/heather-watson/|title=Team Dunlop: Heather Watson|publisher=Dunlop|date=3 July 2020|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704070810/https://dunlopsports.com/team/tennis/pros/heather-watson/|url-status=dead}} Since the end of 2020, Watson has started to use the Babolat Pure Strike racquet, that she used in 2016 and 2017 as well.

From 2016 to 2018, Watson was in a relationship with fellow tennis player Lloyd Glasspool.{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/love-game-heather-watson-rules-out-tinder-as-she-looks-for-her-perfect-match-on-and-off-the-court-a3878001.html |title=Love game! Heather Watson rules out Tinder as she looks for her perfect match on and off the court |last=Moore-Bridger |first=Ben |work=Evening Standard |date=3 July 2018 |access-date=15 April 2020 }} Between 2019 and 2022, she was in a relationship with Yeovil Town and Morecambe footballer Courtney Duffus.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jan/19/heather-watson-australian-open-tennis-courtney-duffus |title=Heather Watson's Australian Open hopes lifted by love and Yeovil Town |last=Mitchell |first=Kevin |work=The Guardian |date=19 January 2020 |access-date=15 April 2020 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2022/07/02/hurrah-fresh-hopes-wimbledon-have-arrived/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2022/07/02/hurrah-fresh-hopes-wimbledon-have-arrived/ |archive-date=12 January 2023 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Hurrah! The fresh hopes of Wimbledon have arrived |last=Shute |first=Joe |work=The Telegraph |date=2 July 2022 |access-date=12 January 2023}} As of August 2024, Watson was in a relationship with footballer Shaun Rooney.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heather-watson-watching-st-mirren-33377926|title=Heather Watson watching St Mirren ace boyfriend from Paris as Olympic win put paid to Conference League plans|date=August 2024 |publisher=Daily Record|accessdate=2 August 2024}}

{{Main|Heather Watson career statistics}}

{{Performance key}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Heather Watson}}

• {{WTA}}
• {{ITF}}
• {{Billie Jean King Cup player|new_id=eba9d278-dea1-40a5-8657-dbb170aab203|id=800273987}}
• {{Team GB}}
• {{Olympedia}}

{{S-start}}

{{Succession box

| before = Anne Keothavong
Laura Robson
Laura Robson

| title = British Tennis number one

| years = 16 July 2012 – 16 September 2012
15 October 2012 – 7 April 2013
9 June 2014 – 5 October 2015

| after = Laura Robson
Laura Robson
Johanna Konta

}}

{{S-end}}

{{Wimbledon mixed doubles champions}}

{{US Open girls' singles champions}}

{{Top British female tennis players}}

{{Top British female tennis players (doubles)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Watson, Heather}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Tennis players from Bradenton, Florida

Category:British expatriate tennis players in the United States

Category:British people of Papua New Guinean descent

Category:British female tennis players

Category:Guernsey tennis players

Category:Guernsey sportswomen

Category:Tennis players at the 2010 Commonwealth Games

Category:US Open (tennis) junior champions

Category:Tennis players at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Category:Tennis players at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Tennis players at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic tennis players for Great Britain

Category:Grand Slam (tennis) champions in girls' singles

Category:Wimbledon champions

Category:Grand Slam (tennis) champions in mixed doubles

Category:Commonwealth Games competitors for Guernsey

Category:Hopman Cup competitors

Category:People from Saint Peter Port

Category:Tennis players at the 2024 Summer Olympics

Category:21st-century British sportswomen