THEY’RE usually faced with holding their nerve out on the water but windsurfing sisters Erin and Islay Watson faced an altogether different pressure as they took to the court alongside Andy Murray.

On Tuesday, two-time Wimbledon winner Murray welcomed rival Roger Federer to the Glasgow for his charity event Andy Murray Live at the SSE Hydro.

But prior to the main event, which saw the Scot take on Federer in an exhibition singles match before teaming up with brother Jamie to play Tim Henman and Mansour Bahrami at doubles, there was the chance for young and aspiring athletes, to take tips from the very best.

That is exactly what the Watsons, who train at the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy, did, joining in a skills clinic run by the Murray’s mother Judy and including the multiple Grand Slam-winning brothers.

It came through their involvement with the SSE Next Generation programme and Edinburgh University student Erin, 18, revealed the opportunity had been a real eye opener.

“Andy has always been an inspiration to me, just as a sporting athlete coming from Scotland so the opportunity to meet him was definitely up there,” she said.

“I played tennis when I was about six or seven, I’ve never played since.

It was nice to talk through Andy’s sport and to learn some of the basics. 

“You don’t get the chance to be taught to play tennis by the Murray family every day.

“We did some balance games and took the skills right back and progressed things step by step, which I can actually relate to with my sport.

“I’m progressing onto the senior ranks now in sailing, so it’s s step up and will be more challenging so it’s just about pushing on and dealing with all that.”

The Watson sisters currently balance their time between Aviemore and Weymouth, where they train for their sport at the National Sailing Academy.

With winter almost upon them, the focus is now on preparing for next season but Islay admitted the chance to take time out and meet one of her idols in Glasgow was not something she was going to pass up.

“It was fantastic to meet and play alongside Andy, he’s one of my biggest sporting heroes,” she said.

“It was good to meet him in person, it was really special.

“We had a little chat about my sport, it was really cool that he showed some interest. 

“Obviously I know all about him, but it was nice of him to ask about me.

“Since I’ve been on the SSE Next Generation programme, they’ve given me loads of experiences and opportunities to help build my skills and confidence.

“It’s helped me to get to know other athletes and then there is obviously the financial funding as well.

“That’s so important to me as it helps me to compete at all the events that I do.

“Meeting Andy Murray was such a special opportunity that I wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t on the programme, it’s been really fantastic.”

SSE, the energy behind Andy Murray Live 2017 returns for a second year to The SSE Hydro in Glasgow. SSE do more for their customers, providing access to exclusive sport and entertainment reward offers.