Heather Watson’s battling performance in her three-set defeat to Mathilde Johansson has won her a new fan – United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The former England skipper watched the teenager’s courageous display on Court Three, where she lost 2-6 6-4 6-4.

Watson, playing only her second Wimbledon, suffered an elbow injury in the second set.

Ferdinand, however, insists the youngster should still be proud of her efforts. He wrote on Twitter: “Unfortunate to see Heather Watson lose today, she looks a real prospect. Talent + guts.”

Venus Williams will be targeting a fourth Olympic title at London 2012, but for her the hottest ticket in town will be to watch the USA women’s basketball team in action.

Venus and her sister, Serena, are big fans of NBA team the Miami Heat.

“I’d probably like to see USA basketball, women’s basketball,” said Venus. Tweet