Heather Watson got the Britain flag flying high after she won the HP Open in Osaka, Japan, ending a title drought for the country that goes back to 1988. Ecstatic and shocked about her win, Watson commented, “I was in the change room afterwards, changing my clothes, and I thought to myself, 'Did I really win?' So it's just starting to settle in. I've worked so hard for this moment my whole career - that's why I practiced so hard, ran all those miles and lifted all those weights, for moments like this.”

She continued by getting out the patriotic side in her, “Britain has been breaking quite a few records recently, so I'm happy I could break another one today. I'm proud to do this for my country.”

Commenting on her performance, Watson said, “She's an amazing returner, so I wanted to go for it. What I've learned from my coaches is to go for it and not hope they miss - as you get better and play the top girls, you've got to go for it because they won't give it to you. So I went for it and I don't regret it - though if I lost the match I probably would have regretted it. But I ended up winning the match, so I'll get over it!"

Talking about the four match points she saved, Watson expressed, “I was already thinking about how I was going to cry in the locker room! But after I saved the first one, I just took it point by point. I'm really proud of myself for getting through that.”

Speaking about her fellow countrywoman Laura Robson, Watson stated, “Laura and I have come through the rankings together - juniors and seniors - and we're both very competitive, so when we see the other doing well, it pushes us. Knowing Laura did so well in China a few weeks ago definitely motivated me this week. But I think it's great we're really good friends off the court as well.”