Laura Robson: A (British) Tennis Star is Born...
Fifteen, but almost sixteen year-old, five foot ten inch left-handed British tennis player, Laura Robson, captured the 2008 Wimbledon Junior Girls title. However, Robson truly arrived on the Tour with her performance at the 2010 Hopman Cup. Robson, who was born in Melbourne, charmed the Australian tennis fans with her witty post-match interviews, while
she showcased a versatile and mature game in all of her singles and mixed doubles matches (with partner, Andy Murray). Robson lost tight singles matches to 2009 Family Circle Cup Champion, Sabine Lisicki, and Russian Olympic Gold Medalist, Elena Dementieva in the early rounds of the 2010 Hopman Cup. In the final round, Robson notched her first victory of the event with an impressive display against Spanish left-handed serve and volleyer, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez.
Robson, who is currently ranked 406th in singles and 298th in doubles, considers London “home”, but she trains in Paris at the Mouratoglou Academy where Marcos Baghdatis also trained during his formative years among other players. Robson is coached by Martijn Bok. Robson’s play at the top level tournaments is restricted for the next couple years because of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s age eligibility rules designed to avoid “burnout”. In addition, Robson can only receive a limited number of wildcards forcing her to achieve superior results in the top tier tournaments she plays while also earning valuable ranking points in smaller challenger events. At the 2009 U.S. Open, Robson lost a tight three set match in the final round of qualifying. For 2010, Robson has been awarded a wildcard into the qualifying for the Australian Open. More than a few eyes will be following her matches at Melbourne Park…
Robson, who is currently ranked 406th in singles and 298th in doubles, considers London “home”, but she trains in Paris at the Mouratoglou Academy where Marcos Baghdatis also trained during his formative years among other players. Robson is coached by Martijn Bok. Robson’s play at the top level tournaments is restricted for the next couple years because of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s age eligibility rules designed to avoid “burnout”. In addition, Robson can only receive a limited number of wildcards forcing her to achieve superior results in the top tier tournaments she plays while also earning valuable ranking points in smaller challenger events. At the 2009 U.S. Open, Robson lost a tight three set match in the final round of qualifying. For 2010, Robson has been awarded a wildcard into the qualifying for the Australian Open. More than a few eyes will be following her matches at Melbourne Park…
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