Watson wants to mirror Murray’s success after changing her coach
BRITISH No2 Heather Watson hopes a change of coach can spark similar success to that Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has enjoyed since teaming up with former world No1 Ivan Lendl last year.
The 21-year-old has endured a difficult 2013, having missed two months of the tour with glandular fever, and was overtaken by compatriot Laura Robson, two years her junior, in the world rankings after falling from 39th to 76th.
Watson, who plays American qualifier Alexandra Mueller at the Citi Open in Washington this week, recently split with coach Mauricio Hadad after two years together and hopes 1987 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Jeremy Bates can help change her fortunes when they team up next month.
“He’s [Murray] changed his coach to Ivan Lendl and obviously that was a great decision and I’m thinking that’s what I need to do,” she said.
“Top players make decisions like that. I got to 39 in the world not doing all these amazing things, just with my regular game, so imagine if I add coming to the net, a massive serve and slice into my game.”