The Esplanade sponser Annie Watsons

A Rising Star for Wimbledon

We spoke with the latest tennis trail blazer, Annie Watson who grew up in Newquay and is already making waves in youth tennis academies. Having recently qualified through both club and county stage to the national finals of the Road to Wimbledon competition, Annie gave us a little insight into her life on and off court.

When did you start playing tennis?

I Started playing tennis when I was about five years old, most of my family played and encouraged  me to. I didn’t take to tennis immediately, I remember the first time I ever picked up a racket I didn’t particularly enjoy it, however around a year later I came back and it was one of my favourite things to do.

What type of court do you prefer to play on?

In my opinion I don’t really have a preference to play tennis indoors or outdoors, I love playing inside because battling the conditions of the weather is not a problem and the court picks up the pace of my shots. Outdoor courts are difficult to play in the winter but during the summer when it’s sunny playing outside is amazing. Also throughout Cornwall we are very lucky to have some courts with amazing views.

Who’s your favourite tennis player?

My favourite player would probably be Naomi Osaka she’s an inspiring woman and her gameplay has a variation of power and placements.

Is there a stand out moment so far? A particular game or tournament?

My one particular standing out moment happened fairly recently earlier this year during the indoor Cornwall championships. I won my first match of this tournament after nearly pulling out after having a rough week and quite under the weather. The next day I came back for my semi-final where I was up against a renowned Cornish player with an expectation to loose quickly. With a quick change of events I played the best tennis of my life and made hardly any mistakes, leading to the win. This was a change giving me a new form of confidence for upcoming matches.

Where are you striving to be in the next 5 years?

In the next five years I would love to see myself obtaining a scholarship for a high sporting university to be able to play for the teams and study as well.

How do you balance school work and tennis?

Managing a school life along side tennis and my other sports , friends and family can be difficult but maintaining a schedule helps. Getting things done quickly is key.

What do you like most about Cornwall?

I love Cornwall because of it’s amazing opportunities throughout and the amazing views, beaches and heritage.

What’s your ritual to get ready for a big game and get you in the zone?

Before a game I like to take myself away from the people I’m with, warmup on my own and listen to music to get myself focused and motivated.

Tell us a little more about your training?

I usually train around five times sometimes more through the week, the past couple months I have been working on speed and stamina through points also enhancing my variations of shots such as a slice.

Tell us a little more about the awards and tournaments which you particularly enjoyed or had the most success in?

One week at the end of every Summer is the Cornwall county champs. The past few years I have had large amounts of success winning multiple events in a week. Also my favourite tournament is probably the Heron Open in May it’s held at my home club meaning I can play all the categories. In addition all of this all of my tennis friends and lots of people travel down creating an amazing atmosphere to be in. Added alongside this, I have been lucky enough to qualify twice through a club and county stage to the national finals of Road to Wimbledon, this event took place at the All England club, Wimbledon and I got to experience and use the facilities and changing rooms the professionals use themselves. I played singles and doubles both times and wearing all white I played on the courts the same as the pros we all watch.

Aside from Tennis are there any other hobbies or interests you enjoy?

Aside from tennis I play large amounts of netball for my school and hockey for Newquay hockey club, I also spend most nights in the gym. Through the year I also participate in most school sports. Aside from sports I love photography as my grandpa was a photographer. I could also spend hours at the beach or outside just seeing the world, I would love to travel one day.