Heather Watson says that she’s still feeling the effects of glandular fever (mononucleosis) that sapped her energy and hampered her play during the winter and spring.
On Tuesday, Watson scored her first win since February, sweeping Melinda Czink, 6-4, 7-6 (0) at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham. Today, qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva defeated Watson, 6-4, 6-3.
“I have good days and bad days, but today was a good day,” she told reporters in Birmingham after her win on Tuesday. “On a bad day I just can’t be bothered to do anything. It’s not lazy or that I can’t be bothered but just lethargic. It’s just random. I feel like I am going to be fine on Wednesday, I have done a lot of stretching, I have had recovery shakes, I have eaten and done everything I can to be prepared.
“I felt fitter today than I did at the French Open but the points were a lot shorter so it was never going to be hugely physical. But I did feel better, more energetic.”