British hopes crashed; Laura Robson falls in the fourth round – Tennis News
All eyes were fixed upon the dream run of the 18-year-old British tennis prodigy, Laura Robson, at the US Open Championships. The unseeded teenager had posted some memorable victories against top-class performers in the initial
rounds but couldn’t withstand the fury of the reigning defending champion, Samantha Stosur, in the fourth round brawl.
The seventh seeded Aussie absolutely devastated the Brit youngster in twin sets, 6-4, 6-4, on the eve of Sunday, ending the glorious run of Robson at the Grand Slam event at the Flushing Meadows Park in New York. It took one hour
and 38 minutes’ pounding from the Aussie number one to book a spot in the quarter-final rounds of the US Open in style.
Robson has been the real heartthrob of British tennis since her silver medal victory at the London Olympics last month. She teamed up with the world number four, Andy Murray, claim glory in the mixed doubles category and has carried
on with her winning impetus in her Grand Slam campaign at the Flushing Meadows. The 18-year-old had an excellent start to the US Open draw by outplaying Samantha Crawford in the opening round.
The British teenager got into the lime light when she disposed off the three-time former US Open champion, Kim Clijsters, in the last match of her career in the second round. She then moved a step forward to upset the ninth seeded
Chinese number one opponent, Li Na, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2, in the third round of the mega event last week.
Robson was expected to carry on the British hopes in the fourth round as well but an all-round brilliant performance from Stosur didn’t give her a great chance to score well. She was completely outsmarted by the aggressive stroke
play from the Aussie number one and had no option but to submit in straight sets.
"It feels like Sam makes you feel you're playing badly because she hits it with so much spin," Robson said afterwards. "Her serve is really special. It's hard to get it back. I've never played anyone with a serve like hers before,
so it takes a couple of games to get used to. I had a lot of opportunities I didn't take."
It was a superb performance from the 18-year-old Brit in the tournament and it certainly hints to what heights she will rise in the coming years. Robson is anticipated to continue her excellent form in the remaining season and
bag some titles to break into the winners’ circle.
Tags: