Professional tennis player Heather Watson, 31, has won nine titles to date, including the Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon 2016, where she became the first British woman to win a title at the prestigious tournament in 29 years.
Born in Guernsey, she started playing tennis at the age of seven and won the British Under 14 Championship, progressing to becoming the highest-ranked British junior by 2009. Her technique has been likened to Martina Hingis and she matches Sue Barker's record for the most wins for Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup (31).
As the 2023 Wimbledon Championships begin, we spoke to the athlete about sport, sun protection and striking the right balance for her mental and physical health…
How do you look after your mental health and wellbeing in high pressure situations?
“It’s easier said than done, but I always try to focus on what I can control, and block out anything else. Often these high pressure moments occur before an important match, where my preparation needs to be flawless. I try to put my phone away, surround myself with people who want the best for me, and not get too caught up in what anyone outside of my team is saying."
What is your approach to skincare as an athlete?
“I love having a beauty routine, it is a form of self-care which I look forward to every day, and have done throughout my sporting career. Applying the right products makes me feel good about myself because I know I’m doing everything possible to protect my skin.
“When it comes to something as important as suncare you need a product that you have complete confidence in, and I trust La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF – it is the number one dermatologist-approved suncare product in the UK.”
How do you tweak your skincare routine when competing in summer tournaments?
“As I spend an increased amount of time in the sun, ensuring that my skin is always protected is a non-negotiable for me. I have used La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF for a number of years, and it’s perfect for tennis players and other athletes because it doesn’t get in your eyes when you sweat! I have a routine where I apply sun cream before I leave my hotel or apartment, and then again after my first practice to ensure I’m always protected in the heat.”
How do you like to unwind after a tournament?
“I would say that being at home and sleeping in my own bed is the best way to unwind. I spend so much time on the road, living out of a suitcase, so as simple as it sounds, being at home is something I really look forward to!”
Loved for its easy to apply, fluid consistency, La Roche-Posay’s range of Anthelios suncare offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection that is water, sweat and sand resistant. With a product suitable for every skin type, the comfortable formula won’t leave a white cast and does not sting eyes.
Being hypoallergenic each SPF remains effective but not harsh on sensitive skin, proving that applying sunscreen needn’t be a chore. Heather relies on the number one-bestselling UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, but you’ll find 11 other products in the range from creams to tinted lotions and mists.
With 95% of UV rays present all year round, an SPF will always make a smart investment to care for your complexion long-term.
Shop the entire La Roche-Posay suncare collection at lookfantastic.com. The Wimbledon Championships begin on Monday 3 July and end on Sunday 16 July.
