Coming into the US Open, Laura Robson was just another teen prodigy who turned head with her sensational Wimbledon triumph in juniors at the age of 14. And although she might have increased her fame by winning mixed-doubles silver at the London Olympics with Andy Murray, she was yet to breakthrough on the WTA tour.
It all changed after her amazing second round win over New York's undisputed queen, Kim Clijsters. The Belgian was riding on a 22 match-winning streak at Flushing Meadows and with this being her last tournament, no one really gave Robson a shot. The youngster showed her true colours though and struck vital blows when it mattered most, stunning Kim after two tight tiebreaks. The loss marked the end of Clijsters' singles career.
Laura's adventure did not end there however, and despite an unkind draw, she continued to shine, taking out another top contestant, i.e. the Cincinnati winner, Chinese Na Li. It was a more challenging match this time, but the British player hope hang tough in crucial times, disposing of Li in a gruelling three-setter. Things did not become any easier for Robson who faced defending champion, Sam Stosur, for a place in her first Slam quarterfinal. Tired and stretched to the maximum from her previous two clashes, the youngster was unable to get hold of the match, allowing Stosur to dictate. The Australian immediately impose herself, taking full charge of the match and, although Laura fought back in the second set, she was not to be denied. A 6-4,6-4 victory keeps her title defence hopes alive as she goes on to tackle world number 1, Victoria Azarenka, next.
Although she failed short in her last battle, the British teenager definitely won a war. While many were already predicting a big future for her before, her string of upsets confirmed her potential and put her name on everyone's lips when discussing about the future of women's tennis. A star was born at this year's US Open and her name is Laura Robson!
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| In what turned out to be Kim's last singles match, Laura Robson produced a stunning performance to beat the Belgian 7-6,7-6. The result marked her breakthrough on the WTA tour. |
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| Following-up on her success over Clijsters, Robson produced another sensational display to take out red-hot Na Li, 6-4,5-7,6-2 and qualify for the first time in the last 16 of a Major. |
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| It took an inspired Sam Stosur to end Laura's New York adventure, the Australian winning in two tight sets 6-4,6-4 to continue her title defence. |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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