Heather Watson
What made you decide to pursue a career as a tennis player and when did you first start playing?
I started playing when I was seven years old at my local tennis club because my parents played in the club's leagues. It looked like so much fun and I begged them for lessons. I started with just one lesson per week and it just grew from there.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Definitely winning the 2009 Junior US Open. I smiled non-stop for days after holding that trophy.
What have you got coming up?
After Wimbledon, which is my first ever Grand Slam, I am going to continue to play women's professional events including a few in England. Later this summer, I will return to New York and play the women's US Open Qualifying. I am really looking forward to that.
As an athlete you have to be quite careful with your diet, what foods do you eat a lot of?
I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables as well as pasta. I try to stay away from fatty, heavy foods and lots of candy.
How important is a healthy lifestyle to your fitness?
It is very important because as a tennis player I rely heavily on my speed, my endurance and my strength. Without eating healthy and making smart choices, it would be hard to perform my best in any of these areas.
How do you suggest people eat berries/incorporate them into their diets?
No rules, as long as they eat them! Eat raw, or in smoothies, or add them to cereal in the morning.
What are your recommendations for a healthy lifestyle?
Eat right, get lots of sleep and exercise. It is a pretty simple combination of things but there are lots of distractions. It is all about making smart choices.
What is your favourite berry?
My favourite berry is definitely blueberries. I eat them all the time!!
What is your favourite way to eat berries?
I actually really like berries just by themselves or maybe with a little yogurt. Berries are naturally sweet on their own but healthy at the same time which is great because we all like something sweet sometimes.
