Tennis star Heather Watson had her car stolen from an underground facility on Friday night whilst she was belatedly celebrating her 31st birthday. The Brit was out celebrating with her close friends when she learned that she was a victim of the crime, putting an unfortunate halt to her celebrations.

Watson turned 31 on May 19 but was unable to truly mark the occasion until later due to other commitments. However, it turned out to be a belated birthday to remember for all the wrong reasons after she returned from a meal to find that her car had been stolen.

Tweeting to her 166,000 followers, the British No 6 said: “Those days where you think things can’t get any worse… trust me they can always get worse.”

Watson then explained: “It all started last night when my car was stolen from my home – in a secure underground parking garage with CCTV and a 24 hour security man. Whilst I was finally getting to celebrate my birthday at dinner with my friends. Happy birthday to me?”

Support poured in for the world No 180, though the initial shock seemed to have passed as she joked with fans that she was now in the market for a new car and welcomed recommendations.

In response to a tweet suggesting that such high-level security measures no longer appear worthwhile, Watson responded: “An old banger is exactly what I was thinking next! Any ideas for my next car?”

A stolen motor could be the icing on the cake for Watson, who has struggled for form on the court lately.