Heather Watson proves fitness with back-to-back Wuhan Open victories
Heather Watson says she has fully recovered from the illness that prematurely ended her US Open campaign.
Watson, 24, beat China’s Chang Liu and Samantha Crawford of the United States in back-to-back matches on Saturday to qualify for the Wuhan Open.
It was the British number two’s first singles appearances since requiring medical treatment following her US Open defeat by Richel Hogenkamp last month.
“I got the blood test results and they’re all fine,” she said.
Guernsey-born Watson initially feared that she had suffered a relapse of glandular fever – which affected her in 2013 – after struggling in heat and humidity against Hogenkamp at Flushing Meadows.
“I just think it was a mixture of things, maybe stress and anxiety and the heat is always a factor,” said Watson, who added that her medical report showed she was “very healthy”.
Watson beat Liu 6-1 0-6 6-4 in her opening qualifier, then defeated Crawford 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 to set up a first-round meeting with training partner Madison Brengle of the United States on Monday.
British number one Johanna Konta will meet Annika Beck of Germany in her first-round tie, also on Monday.
New world number one Angelique Kerber and defending champion Venus Williams are among the 56 players who will compete at the tournament.
Wimbledon champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from the event, as well as the China Open the following week, with a shoulder injury.