Laura Robson remains focused on a return to the top tier of women’s tennis after her straight sets loss to Andrea Petkovic at the French Open.
The 22-year-old returned to Roland Garros for the first time since 2013 after spending a lengthy time away from the tour due to a troublesome wrist injury. In her comeback, Robson lasted 83 minutes on the court before going out 6-2, 6-2, in the first round to the world No.31.
“It’s hard to be positive right now. I feel like I had a lot of chances. There were a lot of games that went to deuce, and it was also my brain switching off at deuce every time, which sucks really.” Robson said about her performance.
The Brit finds herself ranked 329th in the world due to her injury absence and she has only won one main draw match on the WTA Tour this year, which was in Rabat, Morocco. Robson entered the French Open with the use of her protected ranking. It was questionable as to if she was ready to play at the highest level of the tour, but Robson has no regrets in her decision.
“I don’t regret playing this tournament or any other tournament that I’ve entered with my protected ranking. I think it would be a waste to not use them at events I can get into.” The 22-year-old said.
Robson was once one of her country’s most promising sporting stars before injury struck. In August 2013 she reached a ranking high of 27th in the world and was the runner-up at the 2012 Guangzhou International. A return to that form won’t be easy for the Brit, however, she has the top-100 firmly in her sights.
“I don’t want to be ranked 300 for very much longer,” Robson stated.
“I’m having the top 100 as a goal, then I will see where I go after that. It’s always in the back of my mind.”
Fortunately for Robson, the next part of the season will take part on the grass in her home country. The transition from clay to the grass is tough for many players, including the former Wimbledon Girls’ champion.
“It’s a big change going from clay to [grass]. It’s tough on the legs, tough on the butt and it’s a lot of work but I’m excited.” She said about the transition.
The first mission is Robson’s grass season will be next week in Eastbourne. The Brit is hoping to play at the ITF $50,000 tournament, which will feature three top-100 players. Then in Robson’s schedule will be a combination of WTA tournaments (where she has been granted a wildcard) along with some lower level events.
