Heather Watson has now opened up on her absence from Wimbledon singles, having been overlooked for a wildcard.
Wimbledon has handed eight WTA singles players wildcards for this year’s tournament, with six going to British players.
But former British number one Watson was not included in the singles list, although she has received a wildcard for doubles.
The 34-year-old will play with Katie Boulter, but will not appear in the singles event after failing to qualify following her wildcard snub.
Watson, who lost her third and final match in Wimbledon qualifying, has now given her thoughts on the decision not to hand her a singles wildcard.
Heather Watson reacts to Wimbledon singles wildcard snub
As quoted by The Standard, Watson said: “I put my request in but at the end of the day, a wildcard is a gift.
“Everybody has their own reasons and they are valid.
“There’s no right or wrong.
“It’s exciting and it’s nerve-racking, but it’s a gift and never a given.”
It’s a great attitude from Watson, who has remained upbeat despite missing out on a spot at her home Grand Slam.
Instead, fellow Britons Harriet Dart, Alicia Dudeney, Hannah Klugman, Mika Stojsavljevic, Katie Swan and Mimi Xu have received wildcards.
And they have been joined by French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.
How far will Serena Williams go in Wimbledon singles?
The 44-year-old has received a wildcard…
Serena Williams issues heartfelt message to Heather Watson at Wimbledon
Incidentally, Watson met WTA legend Williams at Wimbledon once upon a time, with the pair having gone head-to-head in the third round in 2015.
The American superstar battled to a hard-fought 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 victory, before going on to clinch the title for a sixth time.
Ahead of her first match this year, Williams was tasked with looking back on that meeting, as well as offering words of comfort for Watson after her qualifying exit.
Williams said: “Yeah, Heather has always been such a strong athlete and strong player and smart player, as well.
“I’ve always loved seeing her on tour.
“And her mom.
“Her mom’s really nice.
“I think you just don’t give up.
“If you really enjoy it, just keep going.
“I’m always rooting for Heather.
“There are a lot of people out there that are too.
“No one can write your story.
“She can write her own story.”
It’s a very classy message from Williams, who plays Maya Joint in her singles opener before playing doubles with Venus Williams.
READ MORE: Mats Wilander has one ‘worry’ for Serena Williams ahead of her singles return at Wimbledon
Meanwhile, Watson impressed in qualifying with wins over Mayar Sherif and Tatiana Prozorova before falling at the final hurdle.
Handed a qualifying wildcard, the 2016 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion lost 6-3, 2-6, 1-6 to top seed Maria Timofeeva.
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