WIMBLEDON, England — Heather Watson put aside her childhood idolization of Serena Williams on Friday and stared down the best female player in the world on Centre Court.
Watson, a 23-year-old who is ranked No. 59, was two points away from a memorable upset but eventually succumbed, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
Watson, who grew up on Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, would not accept a consolation prize for her outstanding effort. She felt dispirited after failing to put away Williams, who was down by two breaks in the third set.
“I was two points away from winning,” Watson said, “so I’m pretty disappointed.