2024 Paris Olympics: Katie Boulter & Heather Watson ‘super proud’ despite quarter-final exit
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Katie Boulter and Heather Watson bowed out in the quarter-finals of the women’s doubles at the Olympics after losing out to a high-quality performance from Italian duo Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.
The Brits battled hard against the third seeds but ultimately bowed out 6-3, 6-1 in an hour and three minutes.
Paolini has made Grand Slam singles finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year while Errani is a former doubles world No.1.
Watson leaves her fourth Games having equalled her record performance, while Boulter made the final eight on her Olympics debut.
Boulter and Watson did well to overturn a break deficit at the start of the opening set, but the Italian team were clinical in their approach, taking six of seven break point opportunities and hitting just seven unforced errors to the Brits 21.
“Wish we’d got the win today, but it was a tough one against two incredible women,” Boulter said after the match. “Credit to them, they played great today.”
“They don’t miss,” Watson added. “They barely any errors but they are playing such aggressive tennis at the same time.
“They have such contrasting styles with Errani hitting slow loopy balls and then Paolini hitting super hard and flat. One point you’re trying to push forward and be aggressive and the next you’ve got to go backwards so it’s really difficult and tricky to play them. They are a really great team.”
I really do cherish these moments the most – wearing the GB flag is something you can’t compete with, and I don’t take that for granted ever.
Despite the loss and missing out on a guaranteed medal match over the weekend, the British pairing were full of pride in their performances this week, competing in only their third doubles event together.
“(We’re) super proud,” Boulter remarked. “(We) had no expectations coming into this week and I wouldn’t say I’ve had much doubles experience, but this will definitely stand out as a highlight in my career without doubt, especially alongside Hev.
“We’ve just had a great time and I really do cherish these moments the most – wearing the GB flag is something you can’t compete with, and I don’t take that for granted ever.
“The chance I get to play and wear this flag is everything to me and it’s the reason I play tennis so I won’t forget it.”
Watson went on to comment on the bond that the two Billie Jean King Cup teammates have made during this week in Paris.
“I feel like we’re on the same wavelength on so many things,” she said. “I think we’ve grown a lot closer as friends this week as well. I’ve loved every moment of it and I couldn’t have experienced it with anyone better.”
Away from the tennis, many of the athletes at the Games have praised the overall experience and atmosphere in Paris – something that the Brits have embraced with open arms.
“We’re definitely in the Olympic spirit,” Watson said. “We’re watching all the sports, we’re learning all the athletes, collecting our pins and we went to the Opening Ceremony, which was amazing. All in all I think we’ve both had a blast and we’ve made memories for the rest of our lives.”
Boulter is now set to head to the WTA 1000 event in Montreal next week, while Watson is planning a short break before she makes the trip over to the States.
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