Heather Watson defies death threats from ‘coward gamblers’ to shine at Wimbledon
World number 59 is only remaining Briton in the women’s singles, but waiting for her in the third round is world number one Serena Williams
Heather Watson insists she will never let the “cowards” who send her death threats damage her career after the British number one equalled her best performance at Wimbledon.
Watson defeated Slovakian world number 72 Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-2 in the second round on Wednesday and is the only remaining Briton in the women’s singles.
The 23-year-old from Guernsey next faces the daunting task of taking on world number one Serena Williams in the last 32.
It usually is (gamblers), because you either win or lose the money. They shouldn’t gamble
But Watson’s victory was overshadowed by her recent revelation that she has been sent numerous sick taunts to her Twitter account, including several death threats.
The unassuming Watson hardly seems the most likely candidate for such hateful abuse and she suggested most of the messages may have come from gamblers.
“I think those people, they’ve got no life,” Watson said. “They’re just kind of cowards thinking they can say whatever.
“I don’t really check anymore really. But it’s become such a usual occurrence that it doesn’t really mean much to me.