Heather Watson gave Serena Williams almighty scare as Wimbledon crowd picked sides

Ten years ago tonight, a British favourite scared the world No.1 at Wimbledon under the Centre Court roof. Emma Raducanu will take on US Open winner and top seed Aryna Sabalenka later today.

But in 2015 Heather Watson, then world No.59, was within two points of shocking the great Serena Williams before losing 2- 6 6 - 4 5 -7 in a Friday night, third round thriller.

Watson, now 33, said: "It's kind of wild, that's 10 years ago? God, I feel like it was maybe four or five years ago, but yeah, that was one of or "the" best atmosphere I have ever played in front of, I think, being the occasion, third round Wimbledon, total underdog against the best player in the world.

"I'm pretty sure she had won Australian Open and French Open leading into it, and then she ended up winning the tournament.

"To come so close against someone who was my idol growing up, against someone I had never shared the court with before, was an amazing occasion for me and one I'll always carry with me as one of the highlights, even though I didn't come out on top.

"But I definitely did myself justice that day. That's why she is the GOAT, because, you know, she came back from that and then won the tournament like it was nothing.

Asked for her best memory of the night, the Channel Islander added: "I just feel, when I think back to that match, was every time I won a point and I was using the crowd and embracing the occasion, I'd get goose bumps, because it was so loud you could not hear. It was a roar every time I won a point.

"That, for me, is what it so special. Sport is entertainment, you know, and I feel that way being an athlete. I don't want to play in empty stadiums. I don't want to play on small courts. That's what it's all about."

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