Eggs-cellent Watson feeling on top

17:45, Jun 27 2012

Superstitious Heather Watson believes a breakfast of eggs and smoked salmon helped her end Britain's decade-long wait for a woman to reach the third round of Wimbledon. Watson, ranked 103rd in the world, became the first Briton since Elena Baltacha in 2002 to make the last 32 when she put in a highly impressive performance to beat America's Jamie Hampton 6-1 6-4. When asked about pre-match rituals, she said: "I've been having eggs and smoked salmon with toast on the side for breakfast every morning. And when I get my towel at the change of ends, I run up to pass my ball boy the towel. I have just had those two (superstitions)." The 20-year-old from Guernsey outplayed her opponent in all departments, claiming the first set after just 27 minutes before seeing out a nervy second to record a memorable victory that brought the Court Two crowd to their feet. Watson is making her third appearance in the full draw at Wimbledon and only won her first singles match at the tournament on Monday. She admitted enduring several sleepless nights preparing for the biggest week of her career. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT She has been determined to deliver at Wimbledon following her disappointing experience here last year, when she collapsed to defeat in the first round against Mathilde Johansson. The 20-year-old clinched the first set against the then world number 70 before suffering an elbow injury which ultimately cost her as she fizzled out. Watson burst into tears following that loss, but smiled brightly when asked about the difference between her feelings now compared to 12 months ago. "Last year I was probably feeling right down, at the bottom, and now I'm feeling good, I'm right at the top," she said. "It was tough last year because I was winning the match and then I got injured early in the second set. It was horrible for me because it was my main tournament of the year, but it's turned out for the better this year." Watson, who has reached the second round of the French Open for the last two years, showed signs of her potential when she blitzed in to a 5-0 first-set lead. The youngster was broken twice in the second set, but remained calm to serve out for the match in front of LTA chief executive Roger Draper and Fed Cup captain Judy Murray. As for the statistic of being the first Briton to get through to round three in a decade, Watson said: "I was completely unaware. I don't really look or think about things like that. I just focus on myself and my next match."

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