Heather Watson and Katie Boulter struck up a bond to last a lifetime after an unforgettable experience together at the Olympics.

Guernsey ace Watson, 32, and close friend Boulter suffered a quarter-final defeat in Paris as they went down in straight sets against Italian hotshots Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.

The British duo battled admirably against the third seeds but Paolini, who was runner-up at Wimbledon last month, and Errani were in red-hot form at a boiling Roland-Garros as they breezed to a 6-3 6-1 victory.

Watson and world No.34 Boulter, 27, have been loving life on and off the court together after immersing themselves in the atmosphere at the vibrant Olympic Village.

And they admitted their friendship has blossomed to new heights in an emotional moment with media on Thursday.

Watson, who became the first female tennis player to represent Team GB at four Olympic Games, said: “I found we’re on the same wavelength on so many things and we’ve grown a lot closer as friends as well.

“I’ve loved every second of it here and I couldn’t have experienced this with anyone better.

“We’re watching all the sport, learning all the athletes, collecting our pins and the opening ceremony was amazing.

“All in all, we’ve have had a blast and made memories for the rest of our lives.

“We’ve already locked in 2028!”

After Watson declared she ‘loved’ her teammate in the mixed zone, Boulter returned the favour.

And she joked: “All of 2027 we’re playing just doubles together - she can’t escape!

“I really do cherish these moments, especially alongside Heather – wearing the flag is something you can’t compete with.

“I don’t take that for granted ever, so the chance I get to play and wear this flag is everything to me and the reason I play tennis.”

Watson, a former world No.38, got off to a flier with Boulter – who lost in her opening round in the singles - into life in the doubles to topple German duo Angelique Kerber and Laura Siegemund in their opening round.

They then brilliantly beat Brazilians Beatriz Haddad Maia and Luisa Stefani to propel themselves just two wins away from a guaranteed medal.

But the in-form Italians proved too hot to handle as Boulter’s debut Olympic experience came to an end.

Boulter, who will now fly out to Toronto to compete in the Canadian National Bank Open, added: “Credit to them, they played great today.

“I’m super proud – I had no expectations going int this week and have not played much doubles in my career.

“But it’s definitely a highlight in my career without a doubt.”

Watch every moment of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live only on discovery+, the streaming home of the Olympics.