Laura Robson

[traveller7]

4-5 down now

[Sallydaisy]

I think that Laura's wilting a bit and the Czech is hanging tough and giving her a bit more to think about. Match is swinging on these next coule of points.

[Jan]

I have to go out in 5mins - for a couple of hours :sad:
Hope Laura can find a way to win.
Keep up the cheering!!

[david1610]

I think that Laura's wilting a bit and the Czech is hanging tough and giving her a bit more to think about. Match is swinging on these next coule of points.
Laura breaks back! I also think it depends on Laura holding and as a minimum getting to the TB.
C'mon Laura!

[david1610]

2 DFs in a row 30-30
Oh well.... C'mon Laura!
40-30
Three DFs!
C'mon Laura!

[Helen40]

12 DFs. Cummon Laura get your head together!

[traveller7]

Serving def an issue for her but still playing well

[david1610]

4 DFs in one game!
Needs to regroup.
C'mon Laura!

[Helen40]

4dfs that game :-(

[Sallydaisy]

Now her oppo has another break point - and Laura loses that game with her 14th DF!
4 DF's in that game just won't cut it. BZS will now serve again for the 2nd set when Laura could have had the match in the bag a few games ago.
:sad:

[Helen40]

Break Laura.
Think she needs this game to win the match. Not sure ow much she's got left in the tank.
0-40
5-7 :-(

[Helen40]

Is this a ten minute heat break?

[david1610]

Mmm.... I have always said that Laura is still at the learning stage and should not be judged by adult standards until next year.... but it is tempting to do so when she is one set all in a WTA Semi Final.

If I forget my British interest, I cannot believe how bad the tennis is in a ranking WTA Semi Final match. Or is it the week after Wimbledon and most players are resting syndrome?

I cannot believe that Laura won a set on 33% first serves in the first set and hit 4 DFs in one game and is still in this match.

I just hope that her opponent does not move on to a different level of tennis in the final set. I also hope Laura gets rid of so many DFs.

Is Laura's glass half full or half empty? She plays one point at the level of a top twenty player and the next point at the level of a junior with so much to learn.

Ah! Just a minute. That is just about what she is. A player with the strokes to be really highly ranked and with a lot to learn.

So the pressure to will her to do something which no British player has done for years is frankly a bit unnecessary.

Love it if she does but this is all about learning from the experience for the future.

Just serve better and keep the pressure on. C'mon Laura!

[Helen40]

Interestingly I haven't been thinking about the semi, more about why she's serving so many dfs when she's got a great serve.

[Helen40]

If this set goes the distance it is a tb?

[david1610]

1-1 Laura to serve. She had been looking a bit tired so far in this set with some weak UEs.
Oh well.
Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Laura!

[david1610]

Oh dear, broken but due to back luck that time. There was one ball that her opponent seemed to hit long and pity Laura did not ask for the umpire to check.
Oh well. Keep your head up.
C'mon Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

I don' think either girl is playing that well tbh. BZS got luck that last game but Laura seems less confident so I'm not sure if she'll be able to break back.

[david1610]

1-3 Laura of course really needs a solid service hold here. So...
Focus. Safe hold. C'mon Laura!

[traveller7]

Oop 1-3 set is flying away from her now

[david1610]

1-4 after DF no. 16.
I think the week is catching up with Laura in this set.
Now go out and hit and enjoy yourself.
C'mon Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

Oh dear. I suppose BZS has experience on her side too.
Barbora holds serve and Laura will serve to stay in the match at *1-5.

[Alis]

Oh dear - Laura looks to have run out of steam. What a pity! Great experience for her though.

[david1610]

40-40. C'mon Laura. Make her serve it out!

[Helen40]

I'm to the stage where I'm wondering whether her DF no will get to 20 :-(

[harriet]

gutsy play by laura, held her serve so this will be a symmetrical game, balancing on the 7-5 second set

[david1610]

Three MPs saved so far!
But not a fourth.

Oh well. Excellent results this week. Now back to the drawing board and build on this and learn!
Well done Laura for the week!

[DaveArneRiise]

Beating both Vinci and Suarez-Navarro on clay is some feat. Well done Laura, great week!

[traveller7]

Great playing and guts shown well done Laura

[Sallydaisy]

Awwww, shame she couldn't have just made that game back in the 2nd set to win it but credit to BZS who won by grinding out the win 2'6, 7'5, 6'2.

Nearly there though Laura - and she's only 18!

[david1610]

Yes, hope she takes the positives from the week. In straightforward rallies she had way too much power for her opponent, who probably won half her points on drop shots and Laura's DFs!
Sort that serve out, improve on-court movement and the sky's the limit!

[Jan]

Just home after a rather round-about journey due to London Underground problems :grrr:

Sad to see Laura didn't win - but what a fantastic week it's been for her.
I've no idea why she served so many DFs - if her serve had been working I'm pretty sure she could have sneaked it. Let's hope her coach can do something there.
Let's see what she can do in the next tournament!

[JAMES4578]

Pity it didn't quite work out for Laura in the semis,but certainly positives to build on!

[Helen40]

Robbo's in Bastad this week, first match on Tuesday.

Laura Robson WR 113 v (3) Anabel Medina Garrigues WR 26

Another duff draw :-(

http://women.swedishopen.org/Tournament/Draw.aspx

AMG beat her at this year's French Open 2&1.

[Helen40]

Beeb report mostly on Hev but also acknowledging Laura is now Brit no 3!! Goes on to say what she and Anne are doing this week, but not Laura :-(


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18852503

[Sallydaisy]

WTA Bastad
Laura's match first on the OOP for tomorrow on Centre Court.
10am start time UK.(11am local time).
Possibly on Bet365. Other streams???

[Jan]

Thanks for the info. More tennis to watch? Lovely - though I've actually got quite a lot done today, with no matches to see!!!

[Jan]

there's a nice interview with Laura here (courtesy of bt.net):
http://women.swedishopen.org/SwOB-Play.aspx#video=d9beedd0-f1ba-4eaf-81d8-a1833c8f79d8

[Sallydaisy]

Good Luck Laura!!!
Tough first round match .......

The interview was fun - very giggly!

[karanga]

Good luck to Laura. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Sallydaisy]

Ooooh!

She's just broken AMG (short for Annabel Medina-Garrigues!!!) to lead 4-2 and serving next.

[davech]

It's going pretty well for Laura at the moment - she's 4-2 up in the first set!

[Helen40]

Please has someone got a stream

[Helen40]

4-4 bother

[Jan]

just home from the dentist's.

Found a stream:
http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-4/2/56/v-425765.html

[Helen40]

just home from the dentist's.

Found a stream:
http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-4/2/56/v-425765.html

Thanks, library has blocked this. :(

[Jan]

Laura drops the first set 4-6 :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

Shame, having broken for *4-2 she then lost the next 4 games.

[Helen40]

gUTTED, SHE WAS UP 0-40 TO BREAK TOO :-(

[Jan]

oh no - Laura's been broken in the opening game of the second set

[Helen40]

1-2 a breadstick at least

[Jan]

Laura breaks back!

And holds! 4-3*

[Helen40]

Go Robbo!

[Jan]

but now broken again
AMG serving for the match

[Helen40]

4-5, at least it's respectable now

[Jan]

what a topsy-turvey match!
Laura now 6-5* up!!

[Helen40]

Tie Break!

[Jan]

*2-1

[Jan]

3-2*
AMG gets the break back - DF from Laura

3-3*

*4-3

[Jan]

lost the stream, but Laura has lost the match :sad:

[Helen40]

dissapointing, but at least there were no bread products

[Sallydaisy]

Credit to Laura for fighting back in that 2nd set which looked lost much earlier.
Medina-Garrigues wins 6'4, 7'6(4)

Laura served 8 DF's - not as bad as the bunch she served in her Semi last week but it's too high and hurting her. Certainly getting those serves in could have helped her in this match where she was able to break her oppo a couple of times and the difference in total points won was only 9 (AMG 74 v LR 65)

[Jan]

Hope Laura can sort out her serve - as you say, not as bad as the other day, but still giving away too many points.
But good to see her fighting back when she went behind in the match.

[DaveArneRiise]

Medina is a clay court specialist and vetaran. 8 titles on clay or something like that. Robson gave a good account of herself. She's been doing great of late.

Is Hev playing here ?

[Jan]

Hev's playing in the States at the moment.

[david1610]

This is a "respectable loss". Georges got her revenge on Strycov (spelling?) 6-2 6-2
Perhaps she is progressing so quickly that we already expect more.
As long as she learns from this, and indeed that there is a lot, lot of work on that serving, all is still well for the future!

[JAMES4578]

We knew it was a tough match and whilst disappointing at least Laura hung in there. The doubles have hurt her lately but sure she can improve her serve.

[cazza99]

Alexandra Willis ‏@alex_willis

Decided that @laurarobson5's accreditation pass now looks like a Hawaiian garland. Evidence: http://twitpic.com/ag88qs
http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/full/631920196.jpg?key=480640&Expires=1344277099&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=Z2Elud3qifZbQbP4M8hPJRqOZss0lLYw-uf5420G6JqGmXdaRZ3i4erQwBClWa-xE7neeYnfJOg~PIhxowbko0jKPmWVSM3JXxkXrCb3unkfexSrS xvKWsaxOTcDa2pfAfZjZdKhjpxWkwHGogOrdqbdlChgGZavWr2 5Mi0p4c8_
picture from twitter

[VamosVixs]

So proud of Laura this week. She did brilliantly for someone who is only 18. She has a massive future ahead and hopefully she can keep on improving. :thumbup:

[Alis]

I wonder what the odds are for Andy and Laura taking gold in Rio? Might just risk the odd flutter.

[karanga]

Well done Laura. :clap: :silver:

Great to see her playing so well last week. She is only 18 and I am sure she will have gained much from playing with Andy.

[pabbers]

I wonder what the odds are for Andy and Laura taking gold in Rio? Might just risk the odd flutter.
I'm buying in shirts in readiness :lol:

[RoastLamb]

I read this lovely story in Jon Wertheim's mailbag today: (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/olympics/2012/writers/jon_wertheim/08/08/london-olympics-mailbag/index.html)


Random player story -- well, maybe not so random, but still worth sharing. I was working in the press office at the Fed Cup zonal tie in Eilat, Israel, in February 2011. On the very last day, on a back court with about 20 people watching, Elena Baltacha was playing an Austrian girl. By beating her, team GB would qualify to the WGII playoffs for the first time in forever. Laura Robson was sitting on the sidelines and cheering on her teammates. A young girl, maybe 12 years old, asked her whether after the match they could hit a few balls together. Laura smiled politely and replied: "Let's see after the match if I have time." I thought it was a nice way of saying thanks, but no thanks.

When Baltacha went on to win the match, the whole team, including team captain Judy Murray, leapt onto the court in jubilation. The same young girl went onto the court and asked Laura if they could hit a couple of balls. With no hesitation, when all her team was hugging, celebrating and talking to the press, Laura moved to the next court to play with this young girl. She then proceeded to round up all the other kids who wanted to play too, gave them all her own rackets and played with the kids for about 30 minutes, encouraging them and giving them tips.

Again, back court, huge win for GB, cold night in Eilat, no press watching her, no reason to care. I've been around all the Grand Slams, seen many players, but never someone so kind, gracious and generous as what I saw from Laura Robson. Class act! Consider me a fan.
-- Sophie, Tel Aviv

• Love it. Judy Murray? LTA? WTA? Neil Harman? An agent? Somebody forward this to Laura Robson. Players ought to know that these random acts of decency don't go unappreciated by fans.

[Jan]

great story about Laura - what a lovely thing to do! :thumbup:

[cazza99]

Lovely story. :) Have you tweeted the link to Laura and Judy?

[Sallydaisy]

Lovely story. :) Have you tweeted the link to Laura and Judy?
At least 100 people already have .............
;)

[Sallydaisy]

This might or might not be good for Laura. She's appointed a new coach as of now - Zeljko Krajan.
Extract from Daily Mail article here. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2186190/Laura-Robson-appoints-Zeljko-Krajan-new-coach.html)

The 18 year-old Londoner is already in Cincinatti preparing for next week's WTA Tour event there and has been seen practising with the 33 year-old former world No 88 on the ATP Tour. For a relatively young man Krajan has already collected an impressive CV, helping Russian Dinara Safina to world No 1 before they split in 2010. He then took on diminutive Slovak Dominika Cibulkova, who made both the US Open and Wimbledon quarter-finals under his guidance.



The guy may have had some success with his previous charges but he has a reputation for being very tough on his pupil's.
Given that Laura has quite a bright personality, which is part and parcel of her confidence on court, I hope he doesn't "squash" that in the process of helping her with the next stage of her career.

This is the view from SI.com' Jon Wertheim:

Laura Robson reportedly has hired coach Zeljko Krajan. Given his recent history of less-than-amicable splits with Dinara Safina and Dominika Cibulkova, that’s a surprising hire. Here’s hoping he doesn’t train all the joy out of her.

[Helen40]

Sounds like Robbo's not playing too well right now. Lost the first set, and only 25% first serves :-(

[david1610]

The next twelve months are about growing and experience, of course, but chiefly getting a coach who can sort her serve out once and for all. If this guy can do that, then that will be great.

PS Update on Laura in Cincinnati....
As no. 19 seed she won her first round qualifying v. V Dushevina (world ranked 105) 62 36 64 7 DFs in 13 service games. 53% first serve
She went out in final qualifying to no. 2 seed U. Radwanska (ranked 46) 63 62 10 DFs in 9 service games. First service % at 54%

[Aya]

Laura will face 5th seed Marion Bartoli in New Haven 1st round. That's a tough draw for her.

[pabbers]

Mind you Bartoli doesn't seem to have been on form of late.

[david1610]

Good experience though! Really, really hope she gets into R1 proper of USO and gets a reasonable draw.

[Alis]

Good experience though! Really, really hope she gets into R1 proper of USO and gets a reasonable draw.

Won't she get in automatically because of her ranking?

[Sallydaisy]

Good experience though! Really, really hope she gets into R1 proper of USO and gets a reasonable draw.


Won't she get in automatically because of her ranking?
Yes, as can be seen on the entry list here (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1328-US-OPEN-%28Grand-Slam%29-Ladies-events-Discussion-Thread.-27th-Aug-9th-Sept-2012)in the USO Ladies thread.

[Aya]

@newhavenopen


Sunday's Stadium OOP (Play starts @ Noon): Qualy Final; (8)Safarova v. Lepchenko; Stephens v. Paszek; (5)Bartoli v. Robson. #nho12

Good luck Laura! :swingin:

[david1610]

Oops... forgot Laura had moved up the rankings...but the point about getting winnable (or at least fifty-fifty) matches in the first round of the slams still stands .... the points from three or four of those make a big difference in keeping a good ranking, to be able to push on!

[Aya]

Laura lost 6-3, 6-3 to Bartoli. She won more return games than service games, partly due to a whopping 12 DF's by Bartoli.
Laura's serve is letting her down a lot; she's still learning though. Hope she has a good run at the US Open!

[JAMES4578]

A bit disappointing Laura couldn't make more of an impression when it doesn't like Bartoli was at her best, obviously needs to work on the serve.

[david1610]

Laura's R1 opponent is Samantha Crawford, younger than Laura and her first GS. She is ranked at 394. Just hope Laura does the job and is not overconfident.

[david1610]

Laura currently 5-3 and set point for (at least) the third time. She takes it 6-3
This opponent is a year younger than Laura and ranked 393
She seems to have a very good first serve though which Laura has taken some time to work out. Tight first set though 36 v 30 pionts.
C'mon Laura!

[JAMES4578]

Laura took it 6-3, 7-6. Tight 2nd but well done Laura in coming through even if she was the favourite!

[cazza99]

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/9498300/US-Open-2012-Laura-Robson-learns-from-tearful-Flushing-Meadows-past.html) - US Open 2012: Laura Robson learns from tearful Flushing Meadows past

[RoastLamb]

Brilliant win!!! Gutsy. And she'll go down in the history books as the last person to play (and beat) Kim Clijsters.

[Alis]

Fantastic match - well done Laura!!!!

[david1610]

I know it is a cliché but I suspect that is a career-defining victory!

[JAMES4578]

Yes it was a magnificent result! Remains to be seen how much further Laura will go at the Us Open this time, but sure she'll build on the big win though will take a bit of time to fully develop.

[Golden Lady]

Fabulous win for Laura! So happy for her :clap:

[LC the fan]

Well done indeed Laura. Once or twice I thought she had put up a great performance but would lose out in the end - Hey, what do I know ? I thought she was looking a bit tired before the second set breaker but she sure rallied.

She's young and has a lot to learn but I feel this is the start of something big.
Not sure how she feels about being referred to as 'Andy Murray's doubles partner' but then I dont suppose she cares too much what they call her this morning. :clap:

[Alis]

Andy was really positive about Laura when he was interviewed after his match. He said he thinks she has great potential but needs time. I'm sure he was trying to take the pressure off her - he knows only too well what the British media are like!

[LC the fan]

I thought the same thing - Well said Andy

[Gary D]

Is a transcript of her Presser online?

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19418471)- Laura Robson stuns Kim Clijsters in US Open second round

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19419408) - US Open: Laura Robson puts success down to improved mobility

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/9508213/US-Open-2012-Laura-Robson-tipped-to-go-all-way-to-top-by-Andy-Murray-after-ending-Kim-Clijsterss-career.html) - US Open 2012: Laura Robson tipped to go all way to top by Andy Murray after ending Kim Clijsters's career

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/9507728/Laura-Robson-produces-masterful-display-to-beat-US-Open-Queen-Kim-Clijsters.html) - Laura Robson produces masterful display to beat US Open Queen Kim Clijsters

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19422617)- Laura Robson delights in beating 'role model' Kim Clijsters - video

Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12040/8033489/Robson-the-brave) - Robson the brave

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,12611_8032212,00.html) - Robson to rise to occasion
video - Mark Petchey interviewing Judy Murray before the match

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,12611_8032212,00.html) - Robson through to third round
SKy post match video interview

Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/aug/30/laura-robson-us-open-clijsters)- Laura Robson's landmark US Open triumph leaves Kim Clijsters baffled

10sballs.com (http://www.10sballs.com/2012/08/29/laura-robson-unseats-the-queen-of-queens/) - Laura Robson unseats the Queen of Queens

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2195539/US-Open-2012-Laura-Robson-beats-Kim-Clijsters.html) - British ace Robson sends Clijsters into retirement after brilliant US Open victory

Press Association (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5j3wYV5YzeS86-b2UJFTsvpuj5_Qg?docId=N0264671346281015947A) - Robson pulls off famous win

CNN (http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/29/sport/tennis/clijsters-robson-azarenka-tennis/)- Clijsters' career over after surprise loss to Robson in New York

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/167408.html) - Rampant Robson topples Clijsters

tennis.com (http://www.tennis.com/news/2012/08/krajan-robson-doesnt-realize-how-good-she-can-be/39072/#.UD8-GiJQNc0)- Krajan: Robson doesn't realize how good she can be

[Gary D]

Very good in that post match interview, clear & fluent......better to listen to than the bloke!

[cazza99]

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/sportvideo/9508253/British-teenager-Laura-Robson-defeats-Kim-Clijsters-in-her-last-US-Open-tennis-championship.html)- Laura Robson and Kim Clijsters speak after the British teen defeated the Belgian in the second round of the US Open, ending her singles career.

snippets of the pressers.

[david1610]

Is a transcript of her Presser online?
This is the link to the US Open post-match presser video
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/interactive/video/index.html?promo=subnav&category=press

Just look for and select Day 3 Laura.

[cazza99]

The transcripts are not up yet, just the video.

[david1610]

I think this is worth listing to show the company Laura (and Heather) are in

WTA top 100
Born earlier than 1994 - nobody
1994
Laura Robson GBR 21/01/94
1993
Sloane Stephens USA 20/03/93
Timea Babos HUN 10/05/93
Garbine Muguruza ESP 08/10/93
1992
Heather Watson GBR 19/05/92
Christina McHale USA 11/05/92

[david1610]

Laura on in just over an hour.
Good luck. Last match you improved from playing a good set against the best to playing a good match against them. Might be too much of a step to then playing a good tournament against the best but hope you good out with the same attitude and get some more great experience.
And if you get the job done, even better. Win or those, use the experience to grow.
C'mon Laura!

[Gary D]

Very impressive in that press interview......they're going to like her if she continues like that.

[LC the fan]

Congratulations Laura - what a fantastic achievement, into the second week and the last 16.

Would like to think (prejudiced as I am) that the silver in the dubs with Andy at the olympics helped her confidence a lot.

Any chance of a double British Slam title ???????

[banskogirl]

What a great win Laura! :) Congratulations!

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19443590) - Laura Robson beats Li Na to reach US Open last 16

US Open (http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2012-08-31/201208311346441396817.html) - Laura's post match (Li Na) presser - video and transcript

US Open (http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2012-08-31/201208311346439371008.html) - Stosur press interview before playing Laura - video and transcript

Us Open (http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2012-08-29/201208301346339498024.html) - Laura's post match (Clijsters) presser - video and transcript

Us Open (http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/match_reports/2012-08-31/201208311346432304384.html) - Robson continues dream run with first top 10 win

Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,12611_8038559,00.html) - Robson through to round four
Sky on court interview

[ljs]

Congratulations to Laura , wow , shes playing with such aggression , just awesome to see !!!!

[Jan]

stunning from Laura! :mexican:

[david1610]

Amazing Laura!
Interesting also in the USO Open interview that she mentioned she has been working with Jez, Andy's trainer, and really likes the work she has been doing. She also mentioned something interesting - she has been working on tactical play with her coach and that now she does not try and hit a winner of an unsuitable ball, but plays the percentage shot.
Andy she is into the last 16 before Andy. I see Andy getting a lot more banter in the second week of slams! :)

[Aussie Andy]

Congratulations, Laura! Now, forgive me for I am utterly disloyal to Australia (hey wait, Laura was born in Oz, and her grandparents actually live in the same town as myself - must seek them out someday) but I really, really hope you can beat Stosur.

[karanga]

Fantastic - well done Laura. :clap: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[RoastLamb]

Some lovely words about Laura from SI's Jon Wertheim. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120831/us-open-laura-robson-mailbag/index.html)

[Jan]

Just watched Laura's presser after beating Li Na - so mature and assured, good rapport with the media, very impressive!

[cazza99]

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/167885.html) - Robson is well and truly up and running

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/167926.html) - Robson laughs off Rooney gaffe

New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/01/sports/tennis/day-five-us-open.html) - Robson Knocks Off Another Seed to Reach the Fourth Round

Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/US-Open---Laura-Robson-stuns-Li-Na-to-reach-the-fourth-round-articolo5750.html)- US Open - Laura Robson stuns Li Na to reach the fourth round

Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/robson-shocks-li-reach-us-open-last-16-173958692.html) - Robson shocks Li to reach US Open fourth round

Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/sep/01/laura-robson-james-corden-wayne-rooney) - Laura Robson talks Kim Clijsters, Li Na and James

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/laura-robson-takes-another-giant-stride-with-amazing-win-over-li-na-to-reach-us-open-round-four-8099953.html) - Laura Robson takes another giant stride with amazing win over Li Na to reach US Open round four

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/9513740/US-Open-2012-Wayne-Rooney-got-my-name-wrong-on-twitter-message-jokes-Laura-Robson.html)- US Open 2012: Wayne Rooney got my name wrong on twitter message, jokes Laura Robson

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2196465/US-Open-2012-Laura-Robson-beats-Li-Na.html) - It's sweet last 16 for Robson after inspired Brit dumps out world No 8 Li at US Open

Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/aussie-sam-stosur-into-the-last-16-of-the-us-open-after-big-win/story-e6frfgao-1226462871868) - Aussie Sam Stosur into the last 16 of the US Open after big win

GIANT-killing Australian-born Briton Laura Robson stands in defending champion Sam Stosur's US Open pathway after a tumultuous day at Flushing Meadows.

Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4515198/Laura-Robson-gets-Wayne-Rooneys-backing-in-shock-win.html)- Rooney cheers Laura on

ESPN (http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/167809.html)- Umpire under fire

AFP (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ghuEKaGdZztgJv-AY_YNECOljHpQ?docId=CNG.5f151a241265077eac6d98447b fefef8.911)- Rooney misspells success for giant-killer Robson

Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/usopen/9512896/Laura-Robson-registers-stunning-victory-against-Chinas-ninth-seed-Li-Na-in-US-Open-third-round.html) - Laura Robson registers stunning victory against China's ninth seed Li Na in US Open third round

Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/aug/31/laura-robson-li-na-us-open) - Laura Robson beats No9 seed Li Na to reach fourth round at US Open

LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-us-open-tennis-robson-20120831,0,2896283.story?track=rss)- British teenager Laura Robson earns second upset, beats Li Na

Press Association (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gbdFsnPwpAeCGysvFp9yxtXRgr5A?docId=N03106013 46435395562A)- Laura roars to US Open victory

[supergran]

Just an observation....Kim's warm and congratulatory hug, even though she was bitterly disappointed compared with Li Na's cursory, hardly-there handshake and her rapid exit. I realise that she was absolutely devastated but what a difference between two beaten Grand Slam champions.

[lynne]

Will totally agree with you there SG!!!:thumbup:

[RoastLamb]

Just watched Laura's presser after beating Li Na - so mature and assured, good rapport with the media, very impressive!

They had her in the ESPN outdoor studio and she was soooo lovely and so poised. They talked about how popular she is on twitter and how popular she's getting in the states now. She made fun of Wayne Rooney getting her name wrong. I was impressed that the chief anchor, Hannah Storm, knew who he was but then had to explain to the others. :rolling: I compare her to the other tennis girls around her age and she's by far the most intelligent and articulate sounding. I know I'm biased but...

[Jan]

Just an observation....Kim's warm and congratulatory hug, even though she was bitterly disappointed compared with Li Na's cursory, hardly-there handshake and her rapid exit. I realise that she was absolutely devastated but what a difference between two beaten Grand Slam champions.

yes I noticed that too

[VamosVixs]

I just love Laura's personality. :) I really hope she has a great career, a special player who I am sure will go far! :thumbup:

[david1610]

Just an observation....Kim's warm and congratulatory hug, even though she was bitterly disappointed compared with Li Na's cursory, hardly-there handshake and her rapid exit. I realise that she was absolutely devastated but what a difference between two beaten Grand Slam champions.
I saw her presser afterwards and she was OK until a Chinese question near the end where she looked daggers at the Chinese journalist. No idea what was said but it gave a little insight into the pressure she must be under. She is also on huge, huge, sponsorship deals as the "Asian darling".
I would give her some slack on this. Emphasise the positive of Kim, but give Li Na the benefit of the doubt perhaps.

Laura does have a great sense of humour but I think not all the international journalists picked it up at first.

[Alis]

She has a very dry sense of humour - probably why she gets on so well with Andy - but, I agree, I'm sure many foreign journalists don't pick up on it.

[Helen40]

I saw her presser afterwards and she was OK until a Chinese question near the end where she looked daggers at the Chinese journalist. No idea what was said but it gave a little insight into the pressure she must be under. She is also on huge, huge, sponsorship deals as the "Asian darling".
I would give her some slack on this. Emphasise the positive of Kim, but give Li Na the benefit of the doubt perhaps.
Also the Chinese aren't the most sociable/polite race going, so it may be just a cultural thing. And I say that having worked there and gotten to know it from the inside, not the picture they like to project to the West.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19453043)- Laura Robson credits coach for US Open winning streak

Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12111/8039131/Giant-killer) - Giant killer

Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/off-court/60-seconds-with-laura-robson/) - Laura Robson exclusive: I'm scared of cannibals

[super8]

Also the Chinese aren't the most sociable/polite race going, so it may be just a cultural thing. And I say that having worked there and gotten to know it from the inside, not the picture they like to project to the West.

Na also copped a bit of flak for her handshake after losing her match against Lisicki at Wimbledon last year.

I would agree with you about the cultural aspect - and I do think that it's important to remember that this is predominantly a british forum - and we will invariably have that perspective. Therefore, the fact that there might therefore be an apparent consensus on things does not necessarily mean that it's absolutely correct.

I saw the post-match presser too, and certainly the part in Mandarin Chinese 'seemed' quite terse - but that might also be a cultural thing. At CC we have a british-born Chinese post (those who take part in BOTP might be familiar with the name - Jack NG) who we asked to see if he could translate it - but as he speaks Cantonese, he was unable to do so.

[traveller7]

The Chinese are quite a strict harsh race, and you can tell by the reaction of her team how disappointed they were with her lose, so its understandable.

[cazza99]

US site (http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/prematch/201209011346542002956.html?promo=home) - Day 7 - Samantha Stosur (7) vs. Laura Robson

Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/robson-reaches-for-the-stars-as-she-eyes-amazing-hattrick-8100679.html) - Robson reaches for the stars as she eyes amazing hat-trick

Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/sep/02/laura-robson-pressure-us-open?newsfeed=true) - Smiling Laura Robson shrugs off pressure of being British at US Open

Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/tennis/4516153/Laura-Robson-ready-to-leg-it-into-the-big-time.html)- Laura legs it into big time


I am posting Laura's newspaper articles on this thread, but please follow the match with Stosur on the US Open ladies thread - http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1328-US-OPEN-%28Grand-Slam%29-LADIES-SINGLES-AND-DOUBLES-Main-thread-information-entry-lists/page33

[cazza99]

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2196936/US-Open-Tennis-2012-Laura-looks-forward-date-destiny.html) - Laura looks forward to her date with destiny

[ljs]

really hoping Laura can win this !!!! I love Sam , but am rooting for Laura here , what a story that would continue to be for her .

[traveller7]

Looking forward to this match! Come on Laura!

[cazza99]

Please follow the match with Stosur on the US Open ladies thread - http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1328-US-OPEN-%28Grand-Slam%29-LADIES-SINGLES-AND-DOUBLES-Main-thread-information-entry-lists/page33

[cazza99]

BBC - (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19462408) Laura Robson confident US Open run can be a breakthrough

US Open (http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2012-09-02/201209021346630981416.html) - Laura's press interview following Stosur

US Open (http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2012-09-02/201209021346631355242.html) - Stosur press interview following Laura

[DaveArneRiise]

The Chinese are quite a strict harsh race, and you can tell by the reaction of her team how disappointed they were with her lose, so its understandable.

That lose against Robbo will cost her a kidney.

[Alis]

Laura reminds me of Angelique Kerber - both lefties and both big hitters - they even wear the same outfit! Kerber has had a fast rise up the rankings in the last year - let's hope the same is true of Laura.

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/8047950/Retail-therapy-for-Robson)- Retail therapy for Robson

[supergran]

Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/8047950/Retail-therapy-for-Robson)- Retail therapy for Robson A shame, she didn't get her retail therapy as she had food poisoning. Hope she's recovered.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanoverend/2012/09/will_us_open_success_take_robs.html) - Will US Open success take Robson even higher?
Jonathan Overend blog

[Sallydaisy]

Laura is up to #75 in the singles rankings this morning following her exploits at the USO.
She's just 3 spots behind Heather Watson who remains GB #1.

Table here (http://www.britishtennis.net/gbtop25f/2012wk37f.htm) (courtesy Steven)

[cazza99]

Laura Robson ‏@laurarobson5

Had the best time at the Olympic Parade today. Truly incredible crowds. Thank you all for coming! http://instagr.am/p/PaCXX4NAC1/
http://distilleryimage9.instagram.com/2624147afb7f11e19df022000a1c8832_7.jpg
picture from twitter

[cazza99]

Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/chris-evert-laura-robson-could-win-a-grand-slam/) - Chris Evert: Laura Robson could win a grand slam
by Alex Willis

[ljs]

Doesnt Laura look beautiful there !!!!!

[Helen40]

I'm exited that Laura has come of age, after much heartache following her and Andy for several years. I hope she and Hev stay friends and inspire each other to higher heights, and the next generation.

Curr Prev Name DOB Rank pts Tours
74 75 Robson, Laura 21/01/94 881 25
75 72 Watson, Heather 19/05/92 879 27
80 82 Keothavong, Anne 16/09/83 831 32
141 142 Baltacha, Elena 14/08/83 476 20
147 148 Konta, Johanna 17/05/91 447 21

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19622823)- Top Briton Laura Robson beats Maria Torro in China

[Sallydaisy]

WTA ($220K) - Guangzhou, China

A great win for Laura today!!!
She beat the 2nd seeded Jie Zheng (CHN, WR#22) 6-3 6-3

In the Quarter-Final she'll play another Chinese player Shuai Peng, WR#47

[pabbers]

WOW - such consistency. She really is pushing on. Good for her and for British tennis.

[Jan]

well done Laura :clap::clap:
so pleased to see she's keeping up the winning ways!

[JAMES4578]

Fab result,well done Laura!:clap::clap::clap:

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12111/8092682/History-hopeful) - History hopeful

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19652405)- Laura Robson reaches the quarter-finals of the Guangzhou Open

[supergran]

Where's the Davis Cup Thread? Just read that we have a bye and then play Russia at home in early April....5-7th 2013.

[Sallydaisy]

Where's the Davis Cup Thread? Just read that we have a bye and then play Russia at home in early April....5-7th 2013.
The tournament thread is here (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1421-Davis-Cup-2013-E-A-Zone-I.-GBR-v-Russia-5-7-April-venue-tbc&goto=newpost) SG ... and I've moved your post over. I've only just set up a preliminary thread for a group booking because we don't yet know WHERE it will be held.

[david1610]

Another great result for Laura. Well done!

PS She really is becoming very photogenic!
http://www.wtatennis.com/gallery/20120919/guangzhou-gallery-the-player-party-more_2256674_2923104?imageNo=6#picture

PPS Oops and another
http://www.wtatennis.com/gallery/20120919/guangzhou-gallery-the-player-party-more_2256674_2923104?imageNo=12#picture

[patmoren]

Well done Laura, keep them coming.

[Aussie Andy]

5-1 up against Shuai Peng in the first set.

[Aussie Andy]

Oh dear, it's now 5-4. Come on, Laura!

[Aussie Andy]

5-all... :sofa:

[Aussie Andy]

Whew, Laura breaks to lead 6-5. Ooooh! Come on!

[Aussie Andy]

And Laura takes the first set, 7-5, against Shuai Peng.

[Sallydaisy]

The chinese is fighting back; leads 2-0 2nd set on serve.

Ooooooooooh - Laura just broke back!!!
Serving now at *1-2.

Keep it going Robbo!
:swingin:

[Aussie Andy]

Peng took a 2-0 lead in the second set. Now it's 2-all.

[Sallydaisy]

Laura just broke Peng again ...... now serving at *3-2.
:thumbup:

[cazza99]

Is there a stream for this?

tennistv are covering the tournament but don't seem to be showing this match.

[Aussie Andy]

Laura's behind 4-5, and serving. Come on!

[Sallydaisy]

Phew, Laura held. Peng now 30-0 up on her own serve.

[Sallydaisy]

Into a 3rd set; Laura was broken when serving to take it into a tie-break.
Laura 7'5, 5'7 ...

[Jan]

come on Laura!
I've just got home and thought this would be over by now!

[Aussie Andy]

Whew! 7-5, 5-7, now a third set! Well, whoever wins this has certainly earned her place in the semis (eh, Laura? *hopefully).

[Aussie Andy]

Laura wins, through to Guangzhou Open semifinals, 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.

[Jan]

Laura wins! 6-2 in the 3rd!
:cheer::cheer:

[cazza99]

:clap: well done Laura

Tennistv are streaming from tomorrow, so hopefully we'll be able to watch Laura.

[Alis]

:clap::clap::clap: Fantastic news - well done Laura!

[rk350]

Glad Laura won, shame I couldn't watch any of it! Hopefully I can get it tomorrow if it's being broadcast. I've been really impressed by her recently, particularly her resilience - there have been lots of matches that I expected her to fade away in but every time she's pressured she seems to come back harder. Very promising!

[pabbers]

WOW!!!!! Goooooooooooooo Laura! What an amazing run she's having. Long may it continue.

[hfwardhouse]

:yahoo: well done Laura :cheer:

[Elenive]

Great stuff from Laura!!! :yahoo:

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19663078) - Britain's Laura Robson through to Guangzhou Open semis

[JAMES4578]

Tough match and delighted Laura in the semis, well done!

[-J-]

Where dose this type of tournement fit in to the grand sceme of womens tennis , is it like a 250 ?
,

[-J-]

LOOKS A BIT WORRYING Aya ‏@AyaHussein (https://twitter.com/AyaHussein) Omg what is this about? O.o (via @laurarobsonsite (https://twitter.com/laurarobsonsite)) pic.twitter.com/i63bI4JJ (http://t.co/i63bI4JJ)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3QcjusCIAADSp5.jpg (https://twitter.com/AyaHussein/status/248855279561744384/photo/1/large)

[Sallydaisy]

Where dose this type of tournement fit in to the grand sceme of womens tennis , is it like a 250 ?
,

Bit difficult because the WTA don't 'match' like for like with the ATP.
I think they have an extra tier tbh but maybe someone with WTA knowledge can explain?
They seem to base various events on prize money bands and type:-

Grand Slams - $12,000,000 approx

Premier - $5m - 5 events around this mark

Premier - $2m - 6 events around this mark

Premier - $740k to $500k but a few at $637k - 13 events in this range

International - $220,000 - 28 events at this level so probably like to an ATP250

$100k/75k = Challenger level
$25/10k = Futures level

[Alis]

So is this one classed as an 'International'?

[Sallydaisy]

So is this one classed as an 'International'?

Yes. It's quite a step up for Laura. She's still only 18 and this is her 4th $220k tournament this year.
Until the USO she had to Qualify for all events over the $220k level but her ranking now will get her into most of them directly.
This year she's mixed up the $220k's with playing Challenger level events.
She's entitled to 2 main draw Wildcards and has already used them including one for the Premier $637 at New Haven before the USO where she had a DA.
Here's a link (http://www.wtatennis.com/page/Player/Activity/0,,12781~15680,00.html)to her playing activity on the WTA website.

Here's a link (http://www.wtatennis.com/SEWTATour-Archive/Archive/AboutTheTour/rules.pdf) to the 530 page WTA Rule Book!
:faint:

Details about ranking points are on page 226; might help understanding the various levels.
Seems to be that their equivalents to Masters 1000 are Premier 4 and Premier 5 (9 events total).

[cazza99]

The draw sheet has details of the points for the tournament. - http://www.wtatennis.com/SEWTATour-Archive/posting/2012/1023/MDS.pdf

[karanga]

Excellent. :clap: Go Laura. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[david1610]

Does she have any points to come off... subject to the points gained by others, she is already heading for around r. 60!

[Sallydaisy]

Laura plays her Semi today against Sorana Cirstea who is WR #38.

The Semi-Final match is scheduled today 'not before 18.00hrs' local which is 12noon UK.
It's being streamed by Bet365. Also, I've this information from another forum:
Local Stream: http://www.ccav5.com/pindao/guangdongtiyu.htm
Use Chrome to translate into english, or click the link after the word "flash"


　　ORDER OF PLAY - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

　　CENTRE COURT start 3:00 pm

　　[1] J Gajdosova (AUS) / M Niculescu (ROU) vs T Luzhanska (USA) / S Zheng (CHN)
　　Not Before 4:00 PM

　　S Hsieh (TPE) vs [4] U Radwanska (POL)

　　Not Before 6:00 PM (12noon UK)

　　[3] S Cirstea (ROU) vs L Robson (GBR)

　　Not Before 7:00 PM

　　[3] T Tanasugarn (THA) / S Zhang (CHN) vs X Han (CHN) / W Liu (CHN)




Does she have any points to come off... subject to the points gained by others, she is already heading for around r. 60!
Yes, she's defending quite a few over the next 2/3 weeks so she'll probably go up and down the rankings. Someone on BT.net has put in a lot of work to calculate Laura's ranking ... here's a couple of extracts:

779 counting points have been added in the last 4 months, i.e. starting with Roland Garros. Of her remaining 224 points, she's defending ( or not apparently next week ) 130 for the remainder of this year ( 70 next week, 30 the following week and 30 from Barnstaple at the end of October ) and just 94 for the first five month of next year.


As things stand, she's going to 1003 points on Monday. WR 50 is currently on 1221 points.

Now she will lose a net 62 points next week assuming she's not playing* ( 70 - 8 ) and 30 points are due to come off in the Beijing week.
So that puts her back to 1003 - 62 - 30 = 911 ( before adding anything on for Beijing )

So she basically would need about another 310 points by the end of Beijing ( 1221 - 911 ).
If she wins the title here, that's another 150 points and you get 140 points for reaching R3 ( last 16 ) in Beijing so that would be 290 points so around the mark. That's a bit of a toughee both to win the title here and to reach the last 16 of a mandatory ( though I guess she did that at the US Open )

Alternatively, 250 points for reaching the QF in Beijing would be very helpful
* She can't defend points next week at Tokyo and is unlikely/unable to get into another event in the Far East. By a quirk of the WTA not offering SE's at this level Laura is hoist by her own petard. By doing so well at this event she's not able to play Qualifying for Tokyo (she was on the entry list). So, she won't be playing anywhere next week ... but this has yet to be confirmed by the TD's.

[david1610]

Hsieh, ranked 53, is currently 6-1 3-3 against Radwanska so presumably Laura follows that.... at 12:00
Thanks for all the info Sally!

[supergran]

Go Laura!!! Well done and good luck!:clap::clap:

[Sallydaisy]

Hsieh, ranked 53, is currently 6-1 3-3 against Radwanska so presumably Laura follows that.... at 12:00
Thanks for all the info Sally!
Yes, except that it's 'not before 18.00hrs'. Presumably that's to tie-in with TV coverage slots.
So, not before 12noon for Laura regardless of when the other 2 finish.
Hsieh v Radwanska is a bit closer in the 2nd set so there's a chance it could go to 3.

If you want to keep well on top of the GBR ladies rankings, points etc it's best to follow Steven's excellent work on his spreadsheet here. (http://www.freewebs.com/britishtennis/gbtop25f/currentf.htm) especially the New Points Calculator on the right hand side. You can find daily OOPs for any 'live' player if you click on the links listed under 'in round'; very neat.
:thumbup:

Unfortunately, Steven is away for a few days so isn't updating on a daily basis just now.
Hence the reason for posting the calculations from Indiana on that board.

Sadly, the WTA doesn't have the same statistics format as the ATP so it's difficult to see a players ranking history unless you trawl through their playing activity records.

[Jan]

yes - the previous match is now into the 3rd set

[pabbers]

Aaaaargh - s'all too complicated for my pea brain. Numbers......:banghead:

[Sallydaisy]

Aaaaargh - s'all too complicated for my pea brain. Numbers......:banghead:
Wot's complicated about 'not before 12noon' ?????
:p

[pabbers]

Wot's complicated about 'not before 12noon' ?????
:p

:fingersear: :lol:

[david1610]

Hsieh 5-0 up in the third and five minutes away from noon.... sounds like good timing :)

[pabbers]

Here she comes! GOOOOOOOOOO LAURA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Match is up on livescore already!

Go Laura!!!
:swingin:

I'm not fussed about struggling through finding livestreams via Chinese links so am going to keep track on Bet365 and do some paperwork at the same time ......

[Jan]

stream here:
http://lsh.lshunter.tv/static/popups/111168801303650.html

[pabbers]

One game to the good but she's wearing some kind of patch on her shoulder....

[Sallydaisy]

I have a very matter-of-fact commie (english speaking) which is not too annoying.

Cirstea pushing for an early break at *15-40 but Laura held her off and despite 3 deuces managed to hold her serve for 1-0. The Roumanian is known to have a good returning game, is quite aggressive and has a powerful forehand - quite a similar game to Laura in fact!!!

[pabbers]

Yay a break! BUT - fashion horror.......looks like they're both wearing the same t shirt!

[Sallydaisy]

Wow! Laura breaks the Roumanian for 2-0,
:clap:

And now she holds for 3-0!
:dance:


fashion horror.......looks like they're both wearing the same t shirt!
Same clothing supplier ... so they get to pick kit from the seasons colour palette.
At least Laura has a different colour skirt on - vital on the small Bet365 screen!

[pabbers]

Held serve comfortably - certainly off the blocks in style. Just needs to keep this up.

[Sallydaisy]

Another break and Laura will be serving for the first set at *5-1.
:shocked:

Cirstea making a lot of errors and gifted a DF at the end of game 6.

[Jan]

Laura serving for the set *5-1
come on Laura!!!

[pabbers]

Wow 5-1!!!

Mr P has gone off on cricket tour so had planned to spend today catching up on all the USO stuff I haven't had time to read. Hadn't planned on being glued to Laura's match.

[Jan]

snap!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Hmm ...
Cirstea upped her game and broke Laura but she's still got to serve to stay in this set at *2-5

[pabbers]

oh ooooh......c'mon Laura!

[david1610]

5-1 but was just broken to 5-2.
Hope it was just a blip. C'mon Laura!
(Laura has 2/3 BPs and Cirstea just 1/5)

[Elenive]

5-3

Just a nice safe hold and thats set one in the bag :)

[pabbers]

Not to be.

[Jan]

oh Laura

[Sallydaisy]

No safe holds here ..... back on serve as Cirstea breaks Laura again for*4-5

[Elenive]

Not to be.


No safe holds here ..... back on serve as Cirstea breaks Laura again for*4-5

:sofa: Oh dear!

[pabbers]

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!! Now c'mon Laura!!!

[Jan]

:phew: well done Laura - got there in the end! :cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

6'4 and the first set to Laura after she broke Cirstea again!!!
:dance:

1 down, 1 go to and Laura to serve first again.

[Elenive]

That's better :yahoo:

[Sallydaisy]

Laura breaks! Serving at *2-0.
A repeat of the 1st set - needs to hold though.

[pabbers]

30-nil - what sort of tennis score was that? Commie needs training!

[Sallydaisy]

Eeeep! Double-Fault at *30-0 to give Sorana a point, but she gets the next point for 40-15.

[Jan]

30-nil - what sort of tennis score was that? Commie needs training!
Yes - I get the impression he's not a tennis expert!! He's also used the word "nothing" as well as "nil"!!

[Sallydaisy]

3-0 to Laura Robson. Keep it going!!! And no gifty-boos this time please.

[pabbers]

Held - phew! Spare set of nails anyone? Mine haven't yet recovered form the USO final!

[Jan]

good stuff from Laura!
3-0*

[david1610]

good stuff from Laura!
3-0*
Phew! For a moment I thought it was a TB score. That is much better! Keep going Laura!

[Aussie Andy]

It's interesting that Laura keeps surging ahead in the first set, then her opponent stages a comeback, and finally Laura grabs the first set. That's what's happened the last three? matches.

[JAMES4578]

Looks to be going well, keep it going Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

Laura had 3 break points at *0-40 but Cirstea has saved them all and now has Advantage.
Finally holds to get on the board in the 2nd set.

Just a case of Laura needing to hold her next 3 service games then .....

[pabbers]

Could've done with that second break for a cushion.

[david1610]

Yes but we would have taken 3-0 and the first set wouldn't we?
C'mon Laura!

[Aussie Andy]

As long as Laura holds her serve, she won't need that cushion.

[Jan]

held the first :thumbup:

[pabbers]

As long as Laura holds her serve, she won't need that cushion.

Based on the first set though, it would be helpful.

[Sallydaisy]

Cirstea serving at *1-4, Laura with just the one break in this set.

[Aussie Andy]

Oh, any cushion is always helpful. But Laura keeps going 5-1 up in the first set, and then losing her cushions, so perhaps it would be better to keep the pressure on.

[Aussie Andy]

Well, she's 4-1 up in the second. Don't take it easy, Laura, just go for the win!

[Jan]

great return from Laura!

[pabbers]

This is such a psychological game now.

[Jan]

long game
come on Laura - I have to go out!!

[pabbers]

Wow WHAT A SHOT!!!!

[Jan]

yes!! come on Laura!!! *5-1

[Sallydaisy]

5-1 to Laura and she'll serve for the 2nd set.
Fingers crossed it isn't a repeat of the 1st set ....... and she takes it first time.

[Aussie Andy]

Okey, dokey, Laura serving for the match.

[david1610]

5-1 to Laura and she'll serve for the 2nd set.
Fingers crossed it isn't a repeat of the 1st set ....... and she takes it first time.
Yes, serve it out please Laura!

[pabbers]

Oh oooooh again...........