Wimbledon: Heather Watson outclassed at SW19 by Agnieszka Radwanska

Published on 29/06/2012 18:20

BRITAIN’S Heather Watson could only win two games as her Wimbledon dream ended with a nightmare hammering at the hands of third seed Agnieszka Radwanska.

Watson won the hearts of the home nation with a pair of thrilling performances in the first two rounds, but she wilted under pressure today, losing 6-0 6-2 in front of a subdued crowd on Centre Court.

Spectators had gathered in the hope there would be the rare sight of a British woman progressing to the fourth round, but instead they witnessed a mauling as Radwanska tore apart the Guernsey player’s game.

The defeat for Watson means Andy Murray is now the only Briton left standing in the singles at SW19.

The opening game was ultimately nothing to go by, but briefly Watson looked as if she was going to be able to match her opponent, who is ranked 100 places higher than her.

Watson took Radwanska to deuce before attempting an audacious lob that went just too long and the Pole moved 1-0 ahead.

The set then began to unravel for the 20-year-old in embarrassing fashion. Watson offered Radwanska two break points in her opening service game and the world number three took the first to move 2-0 up when the home favourite tamely netted a forehand.

After Radwanska held her serve, she once more broke Watson whose forehand failed again.

The home crowd sighed with disappointment as another routine Radwanska hold was followed by another break. The first set had whizzed by in just 24 minutes.

Watson was willed on as she came out for the second set, but the support could not help the shellshocked youngster who looked resigned to defeat.

Two-time quarter-finalist Radwanska pinned Watson to the baseline at 30-40 and the Briton’s return - a wayward backhand - flew long and the Pole had a 2-0 lead.

Radwanska offered Watson a route back when she netted to give the youngster a break point but then came a serve that did not come back.

Watson, determined to avoid a whitewash, upped her game in the fourth game of the second set, sending her opponent to all four corners of the court before powering down a 107mph ace to hold.

The Channel Islander’s relief was clear as she let out a huge roar of “Come on!”, but normal service resumed in the following game as Radwanska held to love.

Another hold from Watson - this time to love - gave her more confidence but Radwanska had already done the damage.

The 23-year-old held easily before Watson gave away match point with a weak backhand.

Radwanska did not take that opportunity, but she did not fail at the second time of asking, Watson hitting a backhand wide to lose in just 58 minutes.

Afterwards Watson sped off court, clearly unhappy with her performance.