French Open 2013: Heather Watson ‘gutted’ to crash out in first round

Heather Watson admitted she was “really gutted” after losing to Stefanie Voegele in three sets in the first round at the French Open.

The British No2, who was playing her first match since recovering from glandular fever, was beaten 6-4 2-6 6-4 by her Swiss opponent in just over two hours.

“I’m so happy to be back on court. I really enjoyed myself and I’m glad to be fit and healthy. But at the same time, I’m really gutted that I didn’t get through. I felt that I was so close to getting the win,” Watson told ITV 4.

“All in all, I’m pleased with how I played. I’m hitting the ball well. I’m looking forward to the grass court season now.”

The 21-year-old was sidelined for two months after being diagnosed with glandular fever in April following a poor start to 2013.

Watson, who has since surrendered her British No1 status to Laura Robson, admitted she still has more work to do before regaining full fitness.

“I definitely didn’t feel fit out there. I was puffing a bit after a few points and going for broke on a few balls that I usually would have got back into play,” she continued.

“But that will come and that’s what I’ve got to work on during the next few weeks.”

The world No48 added: “I was tired from the beginning of the year.

“We’ve worked out from my symptoms and things that have been happening to me that I’ve had it from last year in my off season and been playing through it the whole time.

“Being a tennis player and training every single day, you can’t have glandular fever and expect yourself to perform well.

“I’ve still got doubles and mixed doubles here. I’m looking forward to that and being in a match situation will really help.”