Career-defining moments and how to stay focused in matches – Harriet Dart & Heather Watson answer your questions
A few days ago we asked you, our Advantage members, to send in your questions for the Lexus GB Billie Jean King Cup team.
We gathered your questions and put them to none other than Britain's Harriet Dart and Heather Watson ahead of their 2024 Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tie against France and their answers did not disappoint.
From their favourite to Billie Jean King Cup memories to how they stay focused in matches, check out their answers below:
What is the best Billie Jean King Cup tie you’ve been involved in?
Dart: The 2022 Finals - it was so much fun. Being in the UK and having the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd, because the LTA staged the Finals, was an amazing opportunity for us. I think we performed great and it was definitely the most fun I’ve had personally at a team competition.
Watson: Mine is the same (the 2022 Finals) and not just that, Harriet was on fire on the court as well. All of us played great and the team energy and atmosphere was incredible. It was one of those weeks where everything just clicked and like Harriet said, it was such a privilege for us to have the opportunity in the first place because of the LTA hosting the Finals.
What is a defining moment in your career?
Watson: I feel like tennis and sport is such a rollercoaster, there are so many highs and lows so it’s hard to choose just one moment. I have a few but I’d say a huge one is making the fourth round of Wimbledon (2022).
I’d made the third round at a Slam a few times and I always questioned whether I’d be able to make the second week so when I did, I felt like I’d broken down a huge barrier and the belief in myself completely changed.
Dart: For me, I think I have three. The first is making the third round at Wimbledon in 2019 which feels like an eternity ago and another one is breaking into the top 100 - it gets put into your head quite a lot in sport and in tennis that it’s a big deal and it really is. Finally, making the fourth round at Indian Wells having come through qualifiers was a big defining moment and gave me a lot more belief in myself.
How do you remain focused in matches?
Watson: Personally, I remain really focused on all the small, technical details. It’s such an odd process in my head and you’d think it was on autopilot, but I remind myself to split step, shoulder turn, short swing, all things like that to help me focus.
Dart: I agree, I think routines are massively important in pressurised moments and especially when you play in Billie Jean King Cup - it’s a completely different atmosphere to other tournaments. We’re so used to playing tournaments week-in-week out where there aren’t as many people there, so to have so much noise around, you definitely appreciate the support around you.
In team competitions you thrive off your teammates and use the extra energy from that. You’re also knackered by the end of the tie whether you’re playing or you’re not!
Do you prefer team events, individual events or a mix of both?
Watson: It’s hard to compare the two. It’s nice to have both, I wouldn’t want to have all one or all the other so for me it’s a mixture of the two – they both have their pros and their cons.
Who is the biggest joker in the British squad?
Dart: It’s either Fran Jones or Will (the physio). Will is always in our team but Fran’s a newbie and she's definitely bringing the vibes this week.
Watson: Currently, Fran but ask us tomorrow… we might choose someone else!