Heather Watson Creates History for Britain at Acapulco Open

Heather Watson of Britain has made the finals of the ongoing WTA Acapulco Open in Mexico. She had to work hard in the semi-finals against Wang Xiyu, beating her 6-4, 7-6(6). Watson will now face another teenager Leylah Fernandez in the match for the title.

Heather Watson is currently the World No. 69 in the WTA Rankings, having started the year outside of the WTA Top-100. She was once the British No. 1, back when she was ranked No. 38 in the world in 2015.

Watson won the mixed-doubles title with Henri Kontinen at the 2016 Wimbledon Championships.

Heather has once again done her country proud by becoming the first British player to reach the final at Acapulco Open. This will be her sixth final on the WTA Tour.

Heather Watson battles to reach the final

Watson had to work for her victory in the semi-final. Wang Xiyu is an 18-year old Chinese tennis player, currently ranked No. 127 in the world. She was one of the qualifiers at the WTA Acapulco Open, beating names like Sara Errani and Wang Yafan on her way to the semi-final.

Despite the straight sets victory, Watson and Wang played a very tight and competitive match. The Briton held her own to eventually win 6-4, 7-6(6).

Heather Watson will now play, not just another teenager, but also another qualifier in Leylah Fernandez.

Fernandez is a Canadian tennis player aged just 17 years. She currently occupies the No. 190 spot in the WTA World Rankings. She achieved her career-best ranking of No. 185 at the start of February.

Leylah beat players like World No. 82 Nina Stojanović, World No. 84 Nao Hibino and World No. 81 Anastasia Potapova en route the finals of the WTA event.

Watson and Fernandez will meet for the second time in their careers when they step out for the championship match. Heather won their first match in 2018 at the Quebec Open.

The Briton has a chance of breaking onto the WTA Top-50 for a second time in her career, if she manages to beat Fernandez and lift the title.

It will also mark her first title victory in four long years if she does win.

“In 2016 I won in Monterrey and that was such great memories for me. I just love it here in Mexico,” said Watson after her semi-final win.