Watson: Rejection made me stronger

Heather Watson said she was "disappointed" Andy Murray chose Laura Robson to partner him at the Olympics, but says it made her stronger.

Watson was overlooked for the mixed doubles in favour of her rival and friend Robson , who enjoyed a summer to remember after winning a silver medal alongside the Scot, with highlights including reaching the fourth round of the US Open and becoming the first British woman to reach a WTA Tour final - at the Guangzhou International Open - since Jo Durie in 1990.

Watson had won a doubles title just before London 2012 but reacted in the best possible fashion by going one better than Robson and triumphing in the Japan Open last Sunday.

But asked whether she was irked at not being selected by Murray, Watson told the Observer: "Honestly, yeah. I wanted to play.

"It was the Olympics. I think anyone in my position would have wanted that opportunity. But it was his decision. It's fine. They ended up with a silver medal. That's brilliant.

"It's made me stronger."

The Guernsey-born 20-year-old climbed into the world's top 50 for the first time after her triumph in Osaka - two places above Robson - but insists she is not content to rest on her laurels.

"My ambition is to get to number one in the world and win one of the grand slams," she added.

"You have to be selfish to win. You can't be sympathetic to your opponent."