Heather Watson has revealed she is focused on winning her first Olympic medal in Paris.
The 32-year-old from Guernsey is making her fourth appearance for Great Britain, teaming up with Katie Boulter in the women’s doubles and Jo Salisbury in the mixed doubles.
Watson’s best result was reaching the quarterfinals of the mixed doubles with Andy Murray at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“My goal is to enjoy every moment and take in the whole experience, but for this event I’m just going to focus on trying my best to get a medal,” Watson told BBC Radio Guernsey.
She and Wolter will open the women’s doubles against Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Laura Siemund, while Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and Felix Auger will face Watson and Salisbury in the opening mixed doubles match.
“I think I’ll have a good chance if I compete in doubles and mixed doubles,” he added.
“I’ve been playing mixed doubles with Jo for the past 12 months and we’re a great team, so I’m really rooting for them and hope we can finish this Olympics with a great performance.”
Watson’s best Grand Slam singles result was reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2022, and her highest finish in doubles was arguably her best.
She won the 2016 Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Finland’s Henri Kontinen, and the pair reached the final again 12 months later.
Watson, ranked 141st in the WTA rankings, said focusing on a fourth Olympics had been a goal of hers for some time.
“My biggest goal over the last 12 months has been to compete in another Olympics,” she added.
“I think I appreciate these moments more now that I’m in the latter part of my career.
“I came here to win. I’ll do whatever it takes to get a medal, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and giving it my all.”
