MX23RW : Friday, November 15 01:28:08| >> :600:309748608:309748608:

Heather Watson: Andy Murray "great role model" for British youngsters

Heather Watson credits Andy Murray's influence for the influx of British players competing in next week's Australian Open.

Heather Watson has revealed that she feels "blessed" to have been given the chance to play alongside Andy Murray recently.

The 22-year-old yesterday became the first British woman in 20 years to claim two WTA titles when she saw off Madison Brengle 6-3 6-4 in the Hobart International final.

That will act as the perfect preparation heading into the first Grand Slam of the season, where she will join fellow Brits James Ward, Kyle Edmund and Murray.

Having teamed up with Murray at the recent Hopman Cup mixed event, Watson was quick to credit the 2013 Wimbledon winner for his influence on other young players.

"He's a great role model for us British players to have," she is quoted as saying by ESPN. "I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to play with him and just see how professional, hard-working and competitive he is.

"He's such a good person to look up to, he's so nice and friendly. I learnt a lot from him on and off the court."

Watson will face Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova in the opening round of the Australian Open, which gets underway in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

ID:199677: cacheID:199677:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2308:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Kyle Edmund of Great Britain celebrates a point against Julien Benneteau of France during their first round match on March 19, 2014
Read Next:
Edmund qualifies for Australian Open
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!