Heather Watson has kept hopes alive that she’ll make it to her first US Open main draw in five years.
She emerged victorious from a gruelling three-hour match against Spain’s Angela Fita Boulda, securing her place in the third and final round of qualifying.
The 34-year-old Guernsey native beat the Spaniard, setting up a match with Britain’s Harriet Dart.
Despite breaking Boulda’s serve twice in the final set, the 34-year-old from Guernsey needed a deciding 10-point tie break to clinch the victory 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (10-5).
Watson told BBC Sport: “I’ve not played much in general in the last year and I’ve had some niggles here and there.
“It’s been tough with the scheduling as well, there’s not been many options – especially when you get old in tennis, you can’t do these long-haul flights for a week and then come back.
“It means a lot and I’m pleased to get through today.”
The good news for British tennis fans is that at least one Briton will make it through to the main draw, with Watson set to face fellow Billie Jean King Cup team-mate Harriet Dart.
Watson holds a 2-1 advantage over Dart in their previous matches.
The pair, who have also played doubles together, will meet in New York later today with the winner progressing to the main tournament draw next week, meaning guaranteed prize money of at least $140,000.
