Heather Watson suffers heartbreak at the hands of Jule Niemeier

Heather Watson saw her thrilling Wimbledon run brought to a sudden end by German “serve-bot” Jule Niemeier.
British number four Watson enjoyed a memorable charge to the fourth round, her best showing in any grand slam.
But a quarter-final spot proved beyond the 30-year-old from Guernsey as German youngster Niemeier won 6-2 6-4.
It was a classic case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ as the crowd were treated to a parade of former champions including Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Bjorn Borg, Andy Murray and Roger Federer beforehand to celebrate Centre Court’s centenary.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere fell flat as they witnessed what has been a familiar sight over the last 100 years, that of a British player being knocked out.
“I felt like the match was kind of flat because of the style of play. I felt like in a way I was playing like a serve-bot type thing,” said Watson.
“I was just trying to make as many returns as possible, holding on to my serve. It felt like more men’s tennis today than women’s.
“The points were just so quick. Like my last match, there was so many great epic points with slices, coming to the net. I didn’t feel like the rallies were long today at all, so maybe that had something to do with it.
“But I still felt the support, especially at the end there when I needed it. Yeah, I felt super supported out there today.”
⭐ Settle in for one of the rallies of this year's Championships ⭐
Jule Niemeier is a #Wimbledon quarter-finalist!#CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/uA0c9a7T6z
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2022
Niemeier, 22, may be unseeded but she beat number two seed Anett Kontaveit in the second round and illustrated her quality with a stunning winner from the baseline as she chased down a Watson lob.
It was a disappointing first set from Watson, who was broken twice and swatted the net in frustration after missing a simple volley to bring up set point.
Home hopes were briefly raised when Watson confidently broke for a 2-0 lead in the second, but she was unable to back it up and double-faulted as Niemeier hit straight back.
Two more double faults in her next service game spelled the end for Watson as Niemeier wrapped up victory in an hour and 17 minutes.
“I’ve had so many falls. I’ve got bruises everywhere,” she added. “My knees are pretty unstable right now.
“I love playing doubles, especially with Harriet. Yesterday when we stepped on court, I just had so much self-belief in us, even when we lost a break or went down in the score. I just think we’re such a good pair.
“We complement each other. I’m definitely I’m going to put everything into the doubles now.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina finally gets one back in rivarly with Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina avenged her Australian Open defeat with a championship match triumph at Indian Wells.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz savours ‘crazy’ Indian Wells triumph and return to No 1
Carlos Alcaraz is thrilled to be back on top of the world.
-
WTA Tour
Why Elena Rybakina’s Indian Wells win could be a breakthrough moment
Elena Rybakina is emerging as the biggest threat to Iga Swiatek at the top of the women’s game after Indian Wells win.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz banishes Novak Djokovic ‘asterisk’ snipe as he reclaims No 1 ranking
Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he was a worthy world No 1 after his stunning win against Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells.
-
WTA Tour
Miami Open draw: Emma Raducanu handed nightmare opener
British No 1 Emma Raducanu is set for a tough start to her Miami Open campaign after she was drawn against Bianca Andreescu.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas impressed and inspired by Jim Courier
Stefanos Tsitsipas fanboys over Jim Courier’s commentary.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals what it means to be ‘In Flow’
Stefanos Tsitsipas said: ‘It felt like I was in a cage and someone decided to unlock the cage and I suddenly felt free.’
-
News
John McEnroe talks trash ahead of pickleball clash with Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick
John McEnroe is ready to take on Andre Agassi one more time.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Carlos Alcaraz chasing No 1, Daniil Medvedev back in top five
Carlos Alcaraz has a window to regain the top rankings spot.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz sets Indian Wells showdown with Daniil Medvedev
Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from becoming World No 1 again.