Heather Watson defeats Katie Swan in qualifying to reach US Open main draw
Friday 24 August 2018 23:15, UK
Britain’s Heather Watson defeated compatriot Katie Swan in the third round of qualifying to secure her berth at the US Open.
The 26-year-old, world No 116, won 6-2 6-4 in the all-British encounter to reach the 128-woman main draw for the eighth time in her career.
Watson, who won the junior title in 2009, will join Johanna Konta as the only British women in the singles draw for the final Grand Slam of the season at Flushing Meadows.
The three-time winner on the WTA Tour proved too strong for her 19-year-old opponent in a match which saw the final two British representatives in qualifying meet for the first time.
Watson, who is yet to learn her first-round opponent, will now aim to secure her maiden main draw singles victory in New York.
"It's been like 10 years," Watson said. "I'm definitely happy to get some wins here, even if it is in qualifying. I haven't played qualifying in a long time here.
"I'm just very pleased with the way I've played these matches and getting myself into the main draw."
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Tennis is back on Sky Sports screens with the Laver Cup in September while we will also have coverage of the ATP Finals in November with every match live on Sky Sports. But first, we will be across the final major of the year in New York as the US Open gets underway on August 27, right through to the final with live blogs, reports, features and reaction.
