Laura Robson, Australian-English tennis player

Laura Robson, born on 21 January 1994, is a talented British tennis player whose career captivated fans with her powerful left-handed game and early promise. While her journey has been significantly impacted by injuries, she achieved notable milestones across both junior and senior circuits, leaving a distinctive mark in British tennis history.

Early Career and Junior Success

Robson's emergence on the international stage began with her debut on the ITF Junior Circuit in 2007. Her exceptional talent quickly became evident, culminating in a remarkable triumph at the tender age of 14 when she clinched the Junior Wimbledon Championships in 2008. This prestigious victory on home soil immediately marked her as a future star and a formidable prospect for British tennis.

Beyond Wimbledon, her consistent high-level performance in junior Grand Slams was evident as she twice reached the finals of the girls' singles tournament at the Australian Open, in both 2009 and 2010. These achievements solidified her status as one of the world's leading junior players. By November 2008, demonstrating her smooth transition to the professional ranks, she had already secured her inaugural title on the ITF Women's Circuit, a foundational step in her senior career.

Breakthrough in Professional Singles

Robson's progression into the senior professional tour was marked by significant breakthroughs, particularly in Grand Slam events. She became the first British woman since Samantha Smith at Wimbledon in 1998 to advance to the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament. This notable feat was first achieved at the 2012 US Open, where she stunned former Grand Slam champions Kim Clijsters and Li Na, signaling her arrival among the sport's elite. She replicated this impressive performance at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, thrilling home crowds with her aggressive and exciting style of play.

Another landmark achievement came at the 2012 Guangzhou Women's Open. Here, Robson made history by becoming the first British woman since Jo Durie in 1990 to reach a WTA Tour final. Although she ultimately lost to Hsieh Su-wei, this deep run underscored her burgeoning talent and placed her firmly among the rising stars on the professional circuit.

Her outstanding performances throughout 2012 did not go unnoticed, earning her the prestigious WTA Newcomer of the Year award, a testament to her rapid and impactful ascent. The following year, 2013, saw her reach a career-high singles ranking of world No. 27, firmly establishing her in the top echelon of women's tennis.

Doubles Achievements and Olympic Glory

Robson's versatility extended to doubles, where she forged a successful partnership with fellow British tennis sensation Andy Murray. Together, they achieved an unforgettable silver medal in the mixed-doubles competition at the 2012 London Olympics. This Olympic success was a highlight of her career and showcased her capability in team formats, following their earlier collaboration in reaching the 2010 Hopman Cup final. Her career-high doubles ranking reached No. 82 in July 2013.

Battling Injuries and Career Challenges

Despite her remarkable potential and achievements, Robson's promising career was unfortunately curtailed by a series of debilitating injuries. The 2014 and 2015 seasons were particularly challenging, primarily due to a significant injury to her left (dominant) wrist. This necessitated surgery in April 2014, leading to multiple prolonged absences from the demanding WTA Tour. Such extended periods away from competitive play inevitably impact a player's form, fitness, and world ranking.

Consequently, she dropped entirely out of the world rankings in early 2015, making a tentative return at world No. 906 in July 2015. Despite her immense determination, returning to full-time tennis in January 2016 post-injury, Robson struggled to regain her previous form and momentum. She found it challenging to consistently compete at the elite level and has not managed to re-enter the top 150 in singles tennis since her major wrist injury. Further compounding her struggles, she underwent hip surgery in July 2018. She has remained inactive on the WTA Tour ever since, effectively putting her professional career on an indefinite hold.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laura Robson

When was Laura Robson born?

Laura Robson was born on 21 January 1994.

What was Laura Robson's biggest junior achievement?

Her most significant junior achievement was winning the Junior Wimbledon Championships in 2008 at the age of 14.

Which Grand Slams did Laura Robson reach the fourth round in singles?

Laura Robson reached the fourth round of the US Open in 2012 and the Wimbledon Championships in 2013.

What significant WTA Tour final did Laura Robson reach?

She reached the final of the 2012 Guangzhou Women's Open, becoming the first British woman to do so since Jo Durie in 1990.

What was Laura Robson's career-high singles ranking?

Laura Robson achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 27 in 2013.

Did Laura Robson win an Olympic medal?

Yes, she won a silver medal in mixed-doubles at the 2012 London Olympics, partnering with Andy Murray.

What was the main injury that affected Laura Robson's career?

The most significant injury was to her left (dominant) wrist, which required surgery in April 2014 and led to prolonged absences from the tour.

Is Laura Robson still active on the WTA Tour?

No, she has been inactive on the WTA Tour since undergoing hip surgery in July 2018.