Well, Heather will have a non seed to beat to get 40 ranking points for winning Q1, increasing to 50 points for winning Q2, which represents a decent reward. However, I am sure that at least qualifying is her aim here, and then see who she gets.
Of course it is the red stuff, but she will be seeded to qualify and her form has looked decent enough on clay that I would think she has a very reasonable chance of doing so, Much will depend on the draw as to the degree of difficulty that will be involved though.
On current form, Hev couldn't have asked for a much better draw. Olaru completely out of form, Tabakh/Peers both struggling and not in Heather's class and potential FQR draw no obvious danger either.
QR1: (q6) Heather Watson WR 119 v Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) WR 183 (CH 53 in 2007)
Olaru has beaten Bally in the past but she lost to Anne in AO qualifying and is now on a 5-match losing streak, and looking at the rest, yes, about as good as you could hope for!
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GB on a shirt, Davis Cup still gleaming, 79 years of hurt, never stopped us dreaming ... 29/11/2015 that dream came true!
Olaru is one of those with pedigree though, and on her day could be too much for Hev. That said she is out of form and struggling and if Hev plays as well as she can on clay I'd be hoping for her to come through.
I agree with Paul - you always have a worry with someone who has pedigree on clay, that even if they are out of form she could suddenly rediscover the form that took her to at least one Tour final on the surface plus a 100K title. The rest of the draw looks favourable
Quite an array of young talent on court 11 today as Heather will be the fourth recent junior grand slam winner to take to the court (after both Plikovas and Lertcheewakarn).