HEATHER WATSON kickstarts the British Wimbledon charge on Monday morning – after being driven mad by a year-long stolen car saga.
This is Watson’s 14th Wimbledon and at the age of 32, she is the oldest of the seven homegrown women this time.
She knows her opponent Greet Minnen from Belgium very well as they are doubles partners.
The Guernsey-born star has been getting to and from training by using the rental Lime Bikes you see in London.
In June 2023, she had her Range Rover nicked from her West London home while she was out celebrating her birthday – and she only got it back TWO WEEKS AGO!
Watson explained: “My advice for everyone – don’t get a car! Period!
“The amount of things that go with having a car, it has been a nightmare.
“I did get my car back… one year later! It was found three days after it was stolen. I got it a few days ago, it was finally ready to be picked up from the garage.
“That was purely insurance incompetence – I’ll leave that there.
“They found it a few miles away. Still in London. Those who stole it, they took my loose change but left the sunglasses.
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“It took them three months to collect it from the car pound. Another nine months to fix it.
“I have used Lime bikes. I think to myself: Why am I in the car? I have my fresh air! I have my exercise and warm-up on the Lime bikes.
“I don’t enjoy driving so much now because I know what I am missing.
“But I will use the courtesy cars to get into Wimbledon – save my legs for the match.”
Watson opens up at 11am on Court 18 and will be one of 19 Brits – a record for this century – across the first rounds.
The world No.199 said: “I’m happy I’m first on – I’m sick of training. I’m ready to play a match.
“I have good memories on Court 18. It was one of the first times I played at Wimbledon and when I made the fourth round two years ago, I won my second round match on that court.
“What a place Wimbledon is. I’m so grateful to be back for another year.
“Each year that goes by, I become more and more appreciative of what an incredible event this is. I’m so grateful I’m still playing.”
