Laura Robson

[Elenive]

Oh dear.

[Jan]

not great

[dewster99]

think this is gone now. Petra has tightened things up, still an element of luck though as the ball on BP looked long

[Sallydaisy]

Laura to serve at *0-3. It's only a single break and although Kvitova has upped her game she's not necessarily out of trouble yet because Laura is still not playing her best tennis by any means and could improve herself. She's already proved she can break back too in this match so it's still anybody's.

[Elenive]

I like your optimism Sally! I really hope Laura pulls back the set and wins, but I'm doubtful it will work out that way :sad:

[david1610]

Well done. Keep it to one break and she still is under pressure. All about learning in big matches in GSs. The win is a bonus. The learning is important. C'mon Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

I like your optimism Sally! I really hope Laura pulls back the set and wins, but I'm doubtful it will work out that way :sad:
Kvits definitely now playing like the 8th seed that she is ... but her game is still error strewn and it probably wouldn't take much from Laura to turn this around.

*30-30 in the 5th game from *30-0 after Kvits hits into the netpost.
*40-30, out from Laura.
Deuce after a DF gift from Kvits.
;)

[dewster99]

jitters on the serves are back

[Sallydaisy]

AD Kvitova after a good serve which Laura hit out.

DF takes it back to deuce and a racquet hits the court (not broken).
:smashed:

DF and another BP for Robbo.

[cazza99]

:yahoo: broken back. On serve :yahoo:

[Sallydaisy]

Got her!!! What do you say now Elenive???
;)

Back on serve but Laura must hold at *2-3 so I'm not cheering just yet really.

[david1610]

Well done. Still a long way to go. Lots of good first serves would be great!: C'mon Laura!

[dewster99]

I stand corrected Petra is feeling the pressure again. C'mon Laura HOLD!

[Elenive]

Got her!!! What do you say now Elenive???
;)

Back on serve but Laura must hold at *2-3 so I'm not cheering just yet really.

I stand mistaken! :shamed:

Laura's playing has definitely improved ever since you started watching the match Sally. She lost the first set before you arrived, and now look where she's at!

[Sallydaisy]

Still some work to do for Laura; 2 break points now for Kvits.

That's poor from Laura - no first serves in during that game and it cost her.

Kvitova now serving at 4-2 up.

[dewster99]

@#!$%*!!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

I need a fried egg sandwich after this - blow the diet and it might be more exciting than the match!

Meanwhile Laura has gone 40-0 up against the Kvitova serve.

[Elenive]

Four break back points :thumbup:

[Sallydaisy]

Laura breaks back!!! The crowd are now cheering her on. Kvitova is almost in tears.

[dewster99]

I give up trying to call this match

[cazza99]

I know there are nerves and bad play out there. But I wonder how much the conditions are different to those they have been used to earlier in the week, as a change could make the ball play very differently. A change in conditions is something that Andy has talked about before.

[Elenive]

They're professionals, they should be able to adapt to the conditions, shouldn't they? (E.g. Andy's windy USO Semi, though Nole did struggle with that so I guess I see you're point)

[Jan]

come on Laura!

[david1610]

That serve could give her a chance of winning the match. One more break and hold. C'mon Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

4-4 and now we'll see which of these 2 has the toughest guts.
Laura was born in Melbourne, no wonder the crowd are cheering her on!

[dewster99]

big pressure on PK now.

[Jan]

commies have disappeared - lots of background noise!

[dewster99]

30-30, massive point

[cazza99]

They're professionals, they should be able to adapt to the conditions, shouldn't they? (E.g. Andy's windy USO Semi, though Nole did struggle with that so I guess I see you're point)

Its also experience. I can remember Andy, when looking for a coach before he hired Lendl, was saying he wanted someone who could help advise him when the conditions changed.

[Sallydaisy]

Deuce and AD to Kvits twice ... and she holds for 5-4.

All down to Laura now to hold her nerve and her serve to stay in the match.

[dewster99]

heart breaking

[david1610]

C'mon Laura!

[Elenive]

:sofa:

15-30

[dewster99]

aaahhh my stream is a point behind

[Elenive]

Laura holds!

[Sallydaisy]

Laura to serve then ...
*0-15, PK moving better and controlled that point
*15-15 all as Kvits hits into the net after a 6 shot rally
*15-30 good return on 2nd serve, Laura gets a net cord and PK hits it in for a winner
*30-30 great serve from Laura. 2 Aces needed
*40-30 another good serve, PK into the net with the return

LAURA HOLDS!!!
Found another good serve, PK into the net with the return.

5-5 in the 3rd set. Still anybody's.

[Jan]

:phew:

[david1610]

I want Laura to win but even more to have a great career so win or lose, today is a victory for career progression. Having said that, do it Laura!

[dewster99]

PK's serve is so annoying

yes commie's curse :P

[Elenive]

Laura breaks!

[Sallydaisy]

Kvits serving.
*15-0, 15-15, 30-15, 30-30(DF), *30-40 and break point to Laura!!!

LAURA BREAKS!!!!!!!!!!
:yahoo:

She'll serve for the match - but can she???

[Jan]

Laura breaks!!!
Come on - you must hold!!!!!!

[dewster99]

YES! You beautiful little genius!!

[david1610]

I almost can't watch! C'mon Laura!

[dewster99]

15-15, too good there

[Elenive]

6 all now :sad:

[cazza99]

Nooo don't believe it.

[Sallydaisy]

Now then ... Laura to serve for the match.

*15-0 Kvitova UE hitting the 8th shot long.
*15-15 Kvit takes a chance on a 2nd serve and hits a good dropshot
*15-30 Excellent forehand return from PK off a 2nd serve. First serves and Aces Laura please!
*15-40 2 break backpoints as Laura hits the 3rd shot long.

Kvitova breaks Laura and it's 6-6 all in the decider. No tie-break, they carry on ...

[david1610]

Never mind. You can still do it. C'mon Laura!

[Jan]

oh Laura

[dewster99]

only really gave one point away there so no worries

[Sallydaisy]

Kvitova: 15-0, 30-0, 30-15, 40-15, 40-30, and she holds with an angled 2nd serve.
She's 1 game away so it's vital for Laura to hold again.

[Nina]

Laura is a true fighter!
come on girl! you can do it

[david1610]

Past midnight. Your prince is about to arrive and your opponent is muttering about pumpkins. C'mon Laura!

[Elenive]

Nerves for Laura must be huge right now, serving again to stay in the match!!! :sofa:

[scrapaddict]

WELL DONE LAURA - she played extremely well to win ( except for the double faults (ouch!) Shame that there were so few rallies and so many double faults but a very good catch for Laura and a confience builder

[Golden Lady]

HUGE Congratulations to Laura, terrific win!!!

[DaveArneRiise]

Couldn't access the site for past 20 odd minutes anyways monstrous win that from Robbo! Stunning, anyone hear the commentator on Eurosport questioning Robbo's tactics saying she was playing too aggressive and if she just kept ball in play then Petra would be the mistakes? Well aggression was exactly what won it for Laura in the end! You just wonder where they get some of these commies from?

Stunning stuff from Robbo, two Brits lassies in the 3rd round. Refreshing!

[Sallydaisy]

WELL DONE LAURA - she played extremely well to win ( except for the double faults (ouch!) Shame that there were so few rallies and so many double faults but a very good catch for Laura and a confience builder
Hi Scrapaddict - I moved your post over to Laura's thread where we were following her until our server crashed!!!

What a fantastic win to comeback from the first set down and breaks down in the 3rd. She missed out on her first chance to serve for the match at 6-5 up in the 3rd. No tie-breaks in the 3rd set here so then it went:-
6-6
7-6 hold from Kvitova
7-7
8-7
8-8
9-8
9-9
9-10 after Laura broke Kvitova again.
Then great composure from Laura Robson to serve out the match!!!

:boogie::boogie::boogie:

Laura's win makes it 3 Brits into R3 and about 26 years since 2 British girls reached that stage in the Ladies Draw.

[lynne]

Nail biter...........Big Congratulations Laura.......well fought....Bravo!!!!:thumbup:








Was here..... but couldn't post....good job I follow Sally on Twitter....:laugh:

[Jennan]

Great from Laura, exciting match.:boogie::boogie:

[xenon21]

So happy for Laura! Great win! Solid mentally! Error strewn match but she played well in latter parts! :clap: :cheer: So proud!

Really do think that working with Judy, coach and winning the siler at Olympics with Andy has given her so much more confidence and self belief!

First time since 1980s 2 british women in AO 3rd round! And at that time it was R2 for last 32. (via Steven) Great achievement!

[cazza99]

Well done laura :clap:

At least the forum crash did not jinx it.

[Sallydaisy]

There's a great photo of Laura from Ella Ling here

Ella Ling ‏@ellaling23 (https://twitter.com/ellaling23) Wow...nearing 1am but worth the wait!! @laurarobson5 (https://twitter.com/laurarobson5) @AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen)
pic.twitter.com/MzUnMbWS (http://t.co/MzUnMbWS)

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21062579)- Laura Robson stuns Petra Kvitova in Australian Open three-hour epic

[Jan62]

Fabulous win for Laura, some scary moments but just fantastic to see her come through against a player such as Kvitova. Come on girls, keep it going for another round! :skippy:

[david1610]

Brilliant! I was so nervous at the end. The other undoubted winner is the AO itself. Stroke of genius scheduling that match on Rod Laver at night. In many ways both players gave the crowd the excitement a routine Roger victory could not.

Well done home town girl! Enjoy! I suspect you have just become a favourite of the tournament for years to come!

[Jan]

wow - well done Laura! :skippy::skippy:
Glad I stuck with it even tho I had so many things I should be doing!!!

[Elenive]

YES LAURA! Very well done, great things are happening for British tennis in the womens, two brits in the third round of a slam in the womens draw... when was the last time that happened??

[Sallydaisy]

YES LAURA! Very well done, great things are happening for British tennis in the womens, two brits in the third round of a slam in the womens draw... when was the last time that happened??
From Steven on twitter:

Steven ‏@GBtennis (https://twitter.com/GBtennis) Right on cue :-) - confirmation of my earlier tweet RT @Kfish_WTA (https://twitter.com/Kfish_WTA): [...]
] the first time 2 Brits reach R32 since 1991 US Open (Gomer, Durie)

[hfwardhouse]

What a thriller of a match. I got home right at the start of the third set and was glued to the sofa till the end. Fabulous result. Well done Laura!

[Tie-break]

Well done that girl! Brilliant to come through like that. A thriller of a match indeedee.

[cazza99]

Laura's press interview transcript - http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2013-01-17/201301171358433907736.html


I think the turning point of the match, it seems, was when my agent got pooped on by a bird. (Laughter.)

:rolling:

[hfwardhouse]

:lol:

[pabbers]

Great reading this thread with the safety net of hindsight!

[cazza99]

Oz site - (http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/match_reports/2013-01-17/201301171358432156236.html) Robson pushes through
by Alex Willis

[patmoren]

Well done Laura, what a fantastic win. responded so well to the pressure and stayed calm throughout.

[Linda]

Amazing! I certainly never expected that. Well done Laura! :clap: :clap:

[LC the fan]

Delighted for you Laura. Improve that movement around the court and I cannot see anyone living with you in 5 years time.

Just delighted for British Ladies Tennis.....and also for Judy who I cannot doubt has had some influence in this

[JAMES4578]

Awesome win for Laura,particularly coming through a marathon set with the former Wimbledon champion.:boogie::boogie: Kvitova hasn't been in top form lately but nonetheless a tremendous win in the slam once again and the prospects look bright. Couldn't watch any of it it live but shall see the Eurosport coverage shortly.

[david1610]

Laura's press interview transcript - http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2013-01-17/201301171358433907736.html



:rolling:
Some wonderful, wonderfully quotable bits. Does this remind you of any one (or should that be any two)?:

Q. What are the particular challenges of playing Sloane, you know Sloane pretty well, don't you, from juniors and everything?

LAURA ROBSON: We first played each other when I was 10 or 11, I think.

[jaysee]

Eurosport 2 just started replay of 3rd set:skippy:

[Linda]

So I just noticed! :) :skippy:

[RoastLamb]

Fabby match and I'm so happy for Laura. Good job I extended my PVR for another hour otherwise I'd have missed the second half of the final set. But to be honest, Kvitova was quite shaky and made lots of errors esp. with her serving. If Petra had been playing Serena or Shazza or Azza they'd probably have won 6-2 6-2.

[davech]

It's not looking good for Laura at the moment. Maybe she won't win this time...

[Sallydaisy]

It's not looking good for Laura at the moment. Maybe she won't win this time...
You win today's anti-jinx prize!
;)

:cauldron:

[pabbers]

You win today's anti-jinx prize!
;)

:cauldron:
:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[david1610]

Laura on show court 2 after 1 men's and 1 women's match. Very variable start. Only comfort is Andy is on after two women's matches, which do not seem as competitive (famous last words...) so hoping to catch something of her match after Andy.

[cazza99]

Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/itw-robson-062346487.html) - Robson: Tactical switch let me win
video interview

[cazza99]

Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/home-supporters-may-turn-to-robson-the-one-who-got-away-20130118-2cyqy.html) - Home supporters may turn to Robson, the one who got away

[banskogirl]

A great win for Laura and good for us too!

[dewster99]

Andy or Laura, that's the question :/ likely to be on at the same time. Andy likely to cruise it should I give more support to Laura?

[david1610]

Andy or Laura, that's the question :/ likely to be on at the same time. Andy likely to cruise it should I give more support to Laura?
In the end, perfect timing. Andy finishes. Laura about to begin.
Let's hope Laura can cut down on the UEs as Sloane does not miss very much.
C'mon Laura!

[Hawkeye]

Laura down an early break.

[david1610]

0-3 Unfortunately a steady Sloane doing everything pretty well is doing much better than an "all or nothing" Laura.
Really needs to hold here to get in to the match. C'mon Laura!

[david1610]

Laura broken again but manages to break back 1-4. Laura has called for the physio.
I did not want to jinx this but I was surprised that Laura kept it close when she lost to Sloane this year, as I think the year's difference in age and playing on the circuit is pretty clear at the moment and Laura needs a lot more experience to cope with someone as steady as her.
Having said that, let's hope the problem is not serious - left shoulder - and she can learn from today and make a good match of it.
C'mon Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

Laura went 0-4 down but has just broken Stephens back for 1-4.
However, she's called the trainer who is trying to find the problem.
Looked to be her left arm initially but they've tried her neck and back too.
She's been given painkillers and is getting a medical timeout.

[david1610]

Yes if there is any doubt be sensible.

[david1610]

Think Shane and the A-N-D-Y boys might get a few points for Laura here. 2-4 C'mon Laura!
Breaks again 3-4.
Laura to serve. If she can get it back to 4-4 back in business. C'mon Laura!
She holds 4-4 Sloane holds after a deuce.
4-5 big game now. C'mon Laura!
Aargh... eurosport going to show ski at 7:30!!! stream.. stream...
30-30 C'mon Laura! 3-40 SP to Sloane. C'mon Laura!
The stream has gone off at deuce!!! Second set point. Deuce again.
5.5 They are starting to play well at the same time now and it is very good tennis.
Now let's get this game. C'mon Laura!
Sloane races to 40-0 until Laura hits a big one to go 40-15 and again 40-30. Sloane gets such a difficult shot back - she could be the Andy of the female game in the future - and Laura dumps it in the net 5-6 but still in this. C'mon Laura! 30-30 long rally Laura dragged to the AD court and hits into the net. Another set point for Sloane. C'mon Laura!
Oh dear. Laura loses the point and the set 5-7.
I suppose we can take heart from the fact that that set was 5-3 after the medical time out!

[Sallydaisy]

Laura breaks again for 3-4 and to serve next!!!
:swingin:

She's having a bit more manipulation on her shoulder during the change of ends.

[RoastLamb]

Wow the crowd is really supporting Laura!!!

[Sallydaisy]

I've got Laura's match on the laptop to my right whilst I do a brief match report for Andy's R3 and I don't need to look at the screen 'cos the cheers make if very clear when Laura wins a point.

[Sallydaisy]

5-5 Well done Laura; that was a tough hold with about 3 chances for Sloane to break and take the first set. Now it's back on serve and all to play for!

[Sallydaisy]

Awww, she fought back so well but Stephens just broke her to take the first set 7'5.
The Aussie crowd are firmly behind Laura though!!!
She's a Melbourne lass after all .....

[david1610]

Second set and it must be said both players now playing well and it is good quality tennis. 30-30 on Sloane's serve. Deuce. Laura's ball is in but called out and overruled by umpire when she had an open court to hit into for a BP.
Deuce again. AD Sloane. Laura return long. 0-1 Laura to serve. Must stay focused.
C'mon Laura!
30-30 Laura a bit sloppy at times. 40-30. Deuce because she got Sloane out to the right but hit into the net rather than down the line.
She holds!
I can see these two playing in a slam final in two or three years!
1-1 C'mon Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

Sloane gets the break and it's now 4-2 with the American serving.

[RoastLamb]

The girls are pretty close but Sloane defo has the edge. But who knows what it will be like in a couple of years. Good run for Laura though esp. taking out Kvitova.

[davech]

Sloane wins 7-5 6-3. Shame.

[Linda]

I couldn't stay awake any longer so only saw the first couple of games. Sorry Laura lost.

[SamP]

Laura is improving all the time, but Sloane does look a step or two ahead of her at the moment. Better athlete, and more consistency overall.

Laura was obviously carrying something, but she's gotta bring variation into her game, too much hitting down the middle from what I saw.

She continues to impress though.

[JAMES4578]

Pity Laura couldn't quite produce consistently and had an injury concern but Sloane is a rising star and was the better player today,I'm sure as she develops her game Laura will right up there. Tough playing Stevens after the exertions of the Kvitova match. Robson can take the positives from the tournament, it was an amazing performance in that final set to get the win over Petra.

[Jan]

Saw the last few games - I was surprised they were still playing!

Pity for Laura - but previous match must have taken a lot out of her, plus if she has shoulder issues that can't have helped. Hope she's not too down - it's been a good week for her. Lots to work on, but so many positives to take away.

[dewster99]

considering the injury Laura played a very good match, shame she couldn't go further with the draw opening up but great tourney

[xenon21]

Poor Laura. Glad she still acquitted herself well and given more experience... Still very optimistic for future

[patmoren]

Great tournament for Laura, playing above her current ranking so all good, just needs a bit more experience against different players at this level.

[cazza99]

Laura's press interview - http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2013-01-19/201301191358588844948.html

[pabbers]

Great stuff from Laura despite the loss. She's got all the basics - her head's in the right place, she has power and shot making. All she needs to work on is movement (which is down to graft IMHO - so can be acquired, unlike talent) and learning how to finish off points at the net. What a future she has ahead of her if she can improve those areas and she's still only 18/19 years old!

[david1610]

Short comments by Heather and Laura in video on this page here - both being sensible about their tournaments. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21097093

[cazza99]

Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/mats-stephens-robson-future-185916699.html;_ylt=AqbufXipNqeC3OY8v.GLPsmf4pR4;_ ylu=X3oDMTJmazJydWhhBG1pdAMEcGtnAzBjYzYyYzQ0LWU2NW ItMzIzNS05ZGQzLTk0YzQ2MjExZWY2NwRwb3MDNgRzZWMDTWVk aWFCQ2Fyb3VzZWxNaXhlZExQQ0E-;_ylv=3)- Mats: Stephens and Robson the future
video

[david1610]

Any news on whether Laura will be fully recovered for the Fed Cup?

[Sallydaisy]

Any news on whether Laura will be fully recovered for the Fed Cup?
Well she clearly is!
;)

And she is going to have to run once she's finished playing tomorrow morning! Laura is entered into Doha which starts on Monday. Not surprisingly, there are no direct flights from Israel to Qatar - the fastest route on skyscanner is Eliat -> Tel Aviv -> Athens -> Doha which is 19 hours. Alternatively, if they are allowed to cross the border into Jordan, there is a 9:30 flight that arrives at 14:00. Even with that, Laura won't be able to play unless she gets a Monday evening or Tuesday draw.

Laura's R1 match is against Daniela Hantuchova. Laura has (fairly memorably) played the former world no. 5 once before, going a set up on her at Wimbledon back in 2009 before losing in three.

Quite a lot of the participants are involved in Fed Cup ties this weekend - they'll be hoping to avoid any 5-set matches and if they're in Israel they'll all have to look out for the nearest camel train to try and go from Eilat to Doha.
:)

DOHA MAIN DRAW
Azarenka vs BYE
Pironkova vs Oprandi
McHale vs Jovanovski
Daniilidou vs Cibulkova
Kirilenko vs Q
Robson vs Hantuchova
El Tabakh vs Babos
Errani vs BYE

A Radwanska vs BYE
Zheng vs Q
Halep vs Govortsova
Paszek vs Ivanovic
Wozniacki vs Q
Cirstea vs Jabeur
Barthel vs Q
Kerber vs BYE

Stosur vs BYE
Niculescu vs Jankovic
Kuznetsova vs Q
Schiavone vs Bartoli
Stephens vs Tatishvili
Zakopalova vs Lepchenko
Q vs Al Nabhani
Sharapova vs BYE

Kvitova vs BYE
Suarez Navarro vs Makarova
Safarova vs Hsieh
Hlavackova vs Petrova
Vinci vs Wickmayer
U Radwanska vs Q
Medina Garrigues vs Q
S.Williams vs BYE

[david1610]

The Tour de France has a system where all the riders have to finish by a certain time after the winners of a stage otherwise they get eliminated and on stages like the mountain ones the sprinters and domestiques basically help each other out. You would think all the girls could have got together and laid something on!
Wikipedia (do not know if 100% accurate)
The Wadi Araba Border Crossing (Arabic: تقاطع وادي عربة‎, Hebrew: מעבר-גבול ערבה‎) is an international border crossing between Aqaba, Jordan and Eilat, Israel. Opened on August 8, 1994, it is currently one of three entry/exit points between the two countries that handles tourists.

In February 2006, the Israelis renamed their border terminal to Yitzhak Rabin Terminal (Hebrew: מסוף יצחק רבין‎), after the late Prime Minister.

The terminal is open from 6:30 to 20:00, Sunday through Thursday, and from 8:00 to 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, every day of the year except for the holidays of the Islamic New Year and Yom Kippur.
There is no public transport to the terminal, but it can be reached by a 5-minute taxi ride from Eilat

[Alis]

Does anyone know if Doha is being televised?

[Sallydaisy]

Does anyone know if Doha is being televised?
There are matches showing right now on Bet365 so there will probably be other streams available.
Livescorehunter, Haha sport, Fromsports ......... I've not looked as I've had things on today.

The OOP is out - brief notes from twitter:
WTA ‏@WTA (https://twitter.com/WTA)
.@QatarTennis (https://twitter.com/QatarTennis) Day 2 OOP:
Petrova vs Hlavackova,
Bartoli vs Schiavone,
Sharapova vs Garcia,
Serena vs Gavrilova,
Kerber vs Barthel #WTA (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WTA&src=hash)



.@QatarTennis (https://twitter.com/QatarTennis) Day 2 OOP (cont'd):
Safarova vs Daniilidou,
Vinci vs Wickmayer,
Hantuchova vs Robson,
Kirilenko vs Bychkova #WTA (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WTA&src=hash) #tennis (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tennis&src=hash)

[david1610]

Excuse cross posting - Tuesday 13:20
The match before Laura is currently been shown on http://lsh.streamhunter.eu/static/popups/134563952330810.html so there may be a stream (or two) for Laura :)

[Sallydaisy]

Laura's match has started. I'm following on livescore only as I've work to do.
She's serving first and has been broken by Hantuchova who just held for 5-3.

Laura to serve next.

She is probably tired still from the FedCup w/end having played on Sunday, celebrated and then travelled to Doha yesterday. But then that applies to half the Doha field and some of the top girls will have played 5-setters on Sat/Sun just gone.

[Sallydaisy]

:sad:

Hantuchova won 6'4, 6'1.

Laura has a very nasty cough apparently so perhaps she's ill?
Whatever, certainly not her best performance of the year.

[david1610]

Saw a couple of games with Hantuchova moving Heather around the court. Heather is going to have to get used to this and also not having the qualifying rounds to play herself into tournaments. Hope the cough goes soon!

[Sallydaisy]

Saw a couple of games with Hantuchova moving Heather around the court. Heather is going to have to get used to this and also not having the qualifying rounds to play herself into tournaments. Hope the cough goes soon!
:lol:
Laura might have to get used to you calling her Heather!

[pabbers]

:lol:
Laura might have to get used to you calling her Heather!

:lol:

Yes - Laura's movement, whilst it has improved, still has a long way to go!!!

[JAMES4578]

2nd set certainly disappointing, but looks like Laura is a bit under the weather.

[david1610]

Oops not the first time I have done this. Unfortunately it may be one of those mix-ups my brain sometimes establishes and which I have to be so watchful of.
My apologies.

[Sallydaisy]

:sad:

Laura Robson ‏@laurarobson5 (https://twitter.com/laurarobson5) All my jewellery has been stolen from my suitcase... So upset. :(


bit odd though because Laura then tweeted this

Laura Robson ‏@laurarobson5 (https://twitter.com/laurarobson5) @JacobsBen (https://twitter.com/JacobsBen) I had to fly through Jordan to get to Doha from fed cup. Thinks that's where it got stolen :(


But she played a match in Doha last week so must have opened her suitcase there?
Maybe didn't need jewellery so didn't realise it had gone until now ...
:shrug:

[cazza99]

:grouphug: to Laura

Or maybe Laura is reporting it a while after it happened.

[JAMES4578]

:grouphug: to Laura, must have been unsettling.

[Sallydaisy]

Laura's first match in Dubai is tomorrow, Mon 18th Feb, around 16.30 UK time.
It's on Eurosport and other internet livestreams.
They've met once, in the 2010 AO Juniors, with Laura winning 6-2 3-6 6-2.

Her opponent, (WC) Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) WR 97 (= CH), is developing a bit of a bad girl reputation.
This quote from Korriban on BT.net (http://britishtennis.activeboard.com/t52667314/week-8-wta-premier-2m-dubai-uae-hard/) which is a great source for ALL BRITISH TENNIS news.

Yulia is a massive fighter. And at 5 ft 1, she has to make up for lack of height with aggression and battling skills. However, she is also building quite a reputation for gamesmanship, verbal abuse (towards officials and even opponents) both on and off the court, brattishness and bad behaviour. At the very least, expect her to celebrate wildly after every point she wins as the match progresses, including errors from her opponent, even DFs!
Nice.
:p

It remains to be seen if Laura is OK with her shoulder niggle and can come through this.
The winner faces Aggie Radwanska who is the 4th seed.

[Sallydaisy]

Laura's match has just started in Dubai.
2-2 on serve in the 1st set; Laura serving, had 40-30 but now deuce after a DF.

[Sallydaisy]

Darn it, Laura broken. Yulia serving for the first set at 5-4.

[Sallydaisy]

That's better, Laura breaks twice and wins it 6'2.
Fewer unforced errors, playing some good angles to win points and moving well.
Yulia has fallen twice (but uninjured) but in the last few games produced more DF's.

Robson has the better all round game but her opponent has some terrier like qualities ...
:eek:

Into set 3 we go!

[Sallydaisy]

Laura seems to have lost the plot a bit. She thought she'd won a game early on in the set but Yulia challenged and it was in so they replayed the point. Since then Laura's game has fallen apart and now the Kazakhstani will serve for the match at 5-2 in the 3rd.

[Sallydaisy]

What do I know ..... (that I'm deffo talking to myself here!)
Laura finds her aggressive button, angled shots and wins 3 games on the trot.
Helped by some timely DF's from her opponent who has now failed to serve for the match twice!!!

5-5

Robson serving well and goes 30-0 up, 40-0, 40-15, 40-30 and holds.

6-5 to Laura and now Yulia has to serve to stay in the set.

Laura looks like a daffodil by the way - yellow and white.

[Linda]

tb :sofa:

[Sallydaisy]

6-6 tie-breaker to decide the match; it's now 11.30pm in Dubai ...

Laura to serve first:-

*0-1 not good
0-2* another UE from Laura
1-2* that's the mb evened out.
*2-2 nice serve
*3-2 and again! C'mon Laura double break needed (for insurance!)
3-3* Laura mishits a ball that skidded off the lines

[Sallydaisy]

4-3* as Yulia hits one long and gives up a MB. Can Robson hold 2 now?
*5-3 Ace (her 9th) Let's have another one, just like the other one!
*5-4 Oh freddyfuddpuckers
5-5*
5-6* 1st match point to Yulia; she's had chances to serve for it but this is on Laura's racquet
*6-6 Level pegging at 69mins so far this set.

[Linda]

:sad:

[Sallydaisy]

*6-7 and that error gives Yulia matchpoint on her own serve.

And the Kazakhstani wins it. 6'4, 2'6, 7'6(6). Huge win for her.
Not so hot from Laura but it was good to see her fight her way back into the 3rd set.
It was very close with 92pts to Robson and 96pts to Putintseva.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BDaRBtvCEAAE4GZ.png

[JAMES4578]

Gutting for Laura when it looked like she had the ascendancy as she fought back into the 3rd set,but not to be on this occasion. Hopefully she can get a few wins under here belt again soon.

[david1610]

Oh well. That is a bit of a pity because Laura will not always get such an easy first round draw. Hope the shoulder is fine and she has learnt a bit more from this. Good to learn how to get this kind of match won, and not just about mixing it with the higher ranked players.
Oh well. This year is still a learning experience. Better luck next time.

[Sallydaisy]

This could explain some of Laura's lack of 'consistency' over the last few months.


Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST (https://twitter.com/Barry_FlatmanST) Dubai arrival a little disappointing. Rather worried about Laura Robson; not necessarily her loss but her state of health.... Coughing & spluttering in press conference. Revealed she had been suffering from chest infection since Olympics. 4 bouts of anti-biotics... and still not anywhere near better. Seeing a specialist in London


And she is back on twitter ... go girl.

Piers Newbery ‏@piersnewbery (https://twitter.com/piersnewbery) So @laurarobson5 (https://twitter.com/laurarobson5) is back on twitter, we can all relax. Deleted by mistake, I'm told. LR's schedule remains IW, Miami, Charleston, Fed Cup.

[xenon21]

Laura's twitter account is back but her followers number had gone I think. So need to refollow her @laurarobson5

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21592650)- Laura Robson winning battle against chest infection


Laura Robson says she has almost fully recovered from a chest infection that has affected her since London 2012.

The British number two revealed she was struggling with the problem, following her defeat in Dubai last week.

"The infection is in the process of clearing up - I'll be fine for Indian Wells in March," the 19-year-old said.

"I've had another course of antibiotics and I'm as good as new. It's always tough playing when you're ill - it was my decision to play in Doha and Dubai."

[cazza99]

Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2285034/Laura-Robson-track-make-20million-management-companies-fight-signature--EXCLUSIVE.html)- Everyone's after her! Robson on track to make £20million as management companies fight for rising star's signature

Tennis Spac (http://www.thetennisspace.com/laura-robson-interview-ive-made-a-massive-leap/)e - Laura Robson interview: I've made a massive leap

Tennis Space (http://www.thetennisspace.com/facing-depression-and-trolls-on-the-tennis-tour/) - Facing depression and trolls on the tennis tour

[RoastLamb]

She did a Wilson shoot with Milos yesterday and she taught him some new things apparently, like the word "snazzy". Would have loved to have been a fly on that particular wall.

[Sallydaisy]

She did a Wilson shoot with Milos yesterday and she taught him some new things apparently, like the word "snazzy". Would have loved to have been a fly on that particular wall.
Someone on twitter has suggested those 2 get married; Milos replied with an enthusiastic yesssssssss but Laura tweeted back a 'no'!!!
:facepalm:


Laura Robson ‏@laurarobson5 (https://twitter.com/laurarobson5) "@lucyheisinger (https://twitter.com/lucyheisinger): @milosraonic (https://twitter.com/milosraonic) @laurarobson5 (https://twitter.com/laurarobson5) You two should marry to each other" uhhhhh how bout no pic.twitter.com/gznShDTpmp (http://t.co/gznShDTpmp)


Milos Raonic ‏@milosraonic (https://twitter.com/milosraonic)

“@lucyheisinger (https://twitter.com/lucyheisinger): @milosraonic (https://twitter.com/milosraonic) @laurarobson5 (https://twitter.com/laurarobson5) You two should marry to each other” Yessssss!!! pic.twitter.com/mCrSEeBqWW (http://t.co/mCrSEeBqWW)

[cazza99]

:rolling:

[david1610]

Laura lost 6-2 6-7(2) and 1-6 against Sofia Arvidsson.

Mmm.... pity

[JAMES4578]

Pity that Laura apparently fell away in the decider,having looked in control of the match earlier in the 2nd.

[patmoren]

Unbelievable, so dominant for the first set and a half. Neil Harman said she kept catching her ball toss in the serve.

[david1610]

Unbelievable, so dominant for the first set and a half. Neil Harman said she kept catching her ball toss in the serve.
She has done that before.
I wonder if at some point she will have to have a major rethink about the serve. Who was that top Russian female player who had that second serve crisis? Davydenko also had a bit of a meltdown with his serve at one point, didn't he?
As I posted before, I still would rather she has these problems, stops to sort them out, and learns from them using the next couple of years than she shoots up the rankings, the problems get worse and she plummets down again. Take the time, get the match play experience, sort technical problems out, learn how to be ruthless and close matches out and then hopefully the talent will take care of the rest.

[cazza99]

Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/tennis/8541466/family-inspired-robson)- Family inspired Robson
video

[Sallydaisy]

Laura's match has started and is up on livescores (I'm following Flashscores so I can keep an eye on everything else!).
She's got an early break and is serving at *2-0 in the first set.

[JAMES4578]

Laura takes the first 6-2 but of course we can't take anything for granted, keep it going!

[cazza99]

2-2 in the second set.

[david1610]

3-5 serving in the second set holds... 4-5
9 service games, 7 DFs and 4 aces.
C'mon Laura. Break back!

[Linda]

Come on Laura! :swingin:

[JAMES4578]

Into a 3rd unfortunately, let's hope Laura can respond positively!

[david1610]

Got the break to go 2-0 then gave it back.... 2-1 21 service games in the match with 11 breaks of serve!
Now Giorgi is DFing all over the place. 8 DFs each.
C'mon Laura!
This is turning into a marathon game at 2-1 with Laura trying to break - lots of deuces. Take the BP this time please Laura!
Edit: being polite always a good idea. 3-1 Now if she can just hold! Please!
Broken 3-2. That very first hold in the first game might make the difference in this set!
Or not... one hold each 3-3
Laura races out to 40-0 pegged back to deuce. BP. 2nd serve... phew! Deuce. AD Laura. Deuce. AD Laura and holds! 4-3
I think it is time for a break and a hold. Please. Pretty please!

[Sallydaisy]

Laura was up 40-15 on her serve; now it's Ad to Giorgi.
:sofa:

[david1610]

Another break and one solid hold is all she needs!

[Jan]

come on Laura!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[david1610]

First part executed! 5-3. Now for the solid hold please!
15-40 but back to deuce. MP. Please take it! Deuce... wish they would televise the first rounds!

[cazza99]

Come on Laura

[cazza99]

:sofa:

[david1610]

Oops... second MP ends in DF. Now another won. Deuce again. Next two points please Laura! Another double!:sofa:

[cazza99]

11 double faults for Laura so far.

[cazza99]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 2m

Match point 2 squandered. Thunder rumbling. Centre court gone off for rain. #Robson nets backhand on third match point! Deuce.

[Linda]

:cheer: Well done Laura!

[david1610]

She does it in the end! Phew!

[Jan]

:phew:
well done Laura :cheer::cheer:

[cazza99]

:yahoo: Laura has won :yahoo:

[Sallydaisy]

Finally!!! Laura Robson wins 6'2, 4'6, 6'3 after having 5 match points in the last game.

Now it's raining in Maimi.

[Alis]

Wow - Laura made heavy weather of closing that one out but she did it - well done!

[david1610]

Good. Particularly because her opponent was 0-3, now 0-4 for the main tour this year. Exactly the kind of match to tough out in order to make progress. Well done Laura!

[JAMES4578]

Phew she made it tough but Laura get there in the end, well done! Hopefully she will step it up in the next round with Alize Cornet.

[cazza99]

Wow - Laura made heavy weather of closing that one out but she did it - well done!

:rolling: Well it was heavy weather literally. They had already stopped play on Stadium court cos of rain and thunder before Laura's match finished!!!!!!

[david1610]

Beeb report http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21872076

[david1610]

And now for her doubles match. Wonder how often one of the doubles players is more than twice the age of their partner?
In fact Laura is ranked 278 at doubles and the others... 11, 14 and 15!
Survived an early break an won the first set 7-5. And the second 6-2!

[JAMES4578]

Indeed an interesting partnership and good win for Liza and Laura putting out the 6th seeds.

[cazza99]

Laura will shortly be starting her next round :)

[Linda]

2-2 in 1st set Come on Laura! :swingin:

Eek broken - Cornet serving at 3-2

[cazza99]

Laura took the first set 7-5 :cheer: :cheer:

[david1610]

Keep going. C'mon Laura!

[Sallydaisy]

Keep going. C'mon Laura!

Play has stopped on all courts - rain delay.
:rain:

[david1610]

Either livescores is freezing, or there are some medical timeouts going on. Hope both players are alright.
Ah! Thanks for the rain info Sally! (Or it is raining....)

[david1610]

Back. Focus Laura! 0-30 on her serve.

[cazza99]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 1m

Del Potro and Kamke have gone back into the locker room. Robson and Cornet still sitting courtside. It's not really raining at all.

[JAMES4578]

Pity about this rain delay,hope Laura won't lose any focus. she needs to keep the momentum going but that first set was positive.

[cazza99]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 14m

Right, Robson and Cornet have gone back to locker room. Robson at 7-5, 2-2, Deuce.

[cazza99]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 2m

Still not raining. Still no play anywhere.

[cazza99]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 7m

Right, well it's raining now. Proper raining. Guess they saw this coming on the radar. But they could have got half an hour extra in prior.

[david1610]

Wonder how many courts have floodlights/when dusk it etc. How many matches can finish today, in other words?

[Sallydaisy]

Play is resuming apparently.

Wonder how many courts have floodlights/when dusk it etc. How many matches can finish today, in other words?
No idea I'm afraid; I'd have thought some of the courts would have lighting though.

The OOP for Saturday is up but obviously might be revised IF they don't finish scheduled matches today.

[JAMES4578]

Unfortunately Laura loses 2nd 7-5 and play suspended again! Hopefully she can find a way through when they resume.

[Sallydaisy]

Laura eventually lost 1'6 in the 3rd set to former world #11 Alize Cornet.
Shame because her part of the draw had opened up with Azarenka pulling out.

Just the doubles now for Laura ...

[david1610]

Pity but perhaps another match which she could have won and did not and so the possibility of working out why and increasing the chances of the win next time. I am remembering the match with Sloane Stephens and the fact that Sloane went on to a GS SF. Will be interesting to see if that helps or hinders progress. Most important thing is that she won the first match. Asking questions of higher ranked players is at least good as if the talent is there the answer will eventually come!
Good luck in the doubles.

[JAMES4578]

Disappointing Laura apparently fell away in the 3rd but she has to take the positives and she tested a former top 20 player. Of course at best I'm sure she could've won this type of match but she should learn from the experience and at this stage of her career bound to be ups and downs.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21909802) - Laura Robson loses to Alize Cornet in Miami Masters marathon

David Law 5 live commentator

"Laura Robson might go an entire career without playing a match as bizarre as this. It lasted more than seven hours from start to finish, included three rain delays, two power cuts which led to floodlight failure, and two sets which concluded with double faults.

"Even then the 19-year-old didn't looked like losing until the third set. She hit winners galore as the pair shared 7-5 sets, but her serve, normally such a potent weapon, was a liability.

"She hit 17 double faults and then lost the last six games in a row after the second power cut."

They had to contend with moving court as well.

[david1610]

Laura and Lisa started their doubles match. Unfortunately, two breaks down at 0-3. Got one back to go 1-3 and held 2-3
They started the previous match 0-2 so let's hope they have settled now.
Or not 2-5
Another break 3-5 Whoever is serving second for each team has each has been broken twice.

[Linda]

What a pity it's not televised!

[JAMES4578]

Laura/Lisa lose the first 6-4, let's hope they can get off to a better start in the 2nd.

[Linda]

First set gone but they hold at the start of the 2nd.

. . . and they have a break!

. . . make that 2 breaks :)

[JAMES4578]

Now a double break, great stuff Liza and Laura!

[Linda]

They take the 2nd 6-1! :cheer:

One set all now :)

[david1610]

Come on Laura and Lisa!

[Linda]

3-1 in the mtb - c'mon the Ells!

[JAMES4578]

Now up 5-2, keep it going! A point away at 9-6!

[Linda]

9-7

[Sallydaisy]

Robray take the match!!! 4'6, 6'1, 10'8

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Linda]

They take it 10-8 :yahoo:

[david1610]

9-8 Its the second server for each team that is losing the points! Next point please!
Yeah! Great result - Tanasugarn is only ranked 73 now but she was as high as 15 in doubles rankings.
More excellent experience for Laura close to the Fed Cup!

[JAMES4578]

They take it 10-8, become tighter in the end but good win, well done Liza and Laura!:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[Sallydaisy]

I think this set up will work very well for Laura who seems to enjoy playing doubles.
Lisa Raymond is such an experienced doubles player and can teach Laura a lot - not just in doubles but having won 4 titles she's no slouch at singles either. Wiki link for Lisa. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Raymond) I wonder if Mrs Murray suggested the pairing?

[david1610]

I think this set up will work very well for Laura who seems to enjoy playing doubles.
Lisa Raymond is such an experienced doubles player and can teach Laura a lot - not just in doubles but having won 4 titles she's no slouch at singles either. Wiki link for Lisa. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Raymond) I wonder if Mrs Murray suggested the pairing?
Thanks for the wiki link - essentially Laura with her familiarity with Judy and Andy has access to singles "royalty" and Lisa will give her access to doubles "royalty" (I note she won the mixed doubles gold medal last year with Mike Bryan) - maybe Laura's mixed doubles silver medal drew her to Lisa's attention. I also note Lisa briefly played with Julia Georges.
Hope this works out and Lisa wants to play the circuit for a while to come and their schedules coincide because it really would be a wonderful mentor to have on the circuit for Laura.

And if Mrs Murray is behind this, job well done!

[david1610]

Excuse double post but my happy news of the evening is that.... I just saw that both Laura AND Heather (presuming everything gets back to normal) are coming to Estoril this year!
And it is a very interesting tournament for both of them as nearly all the players are ranked at the same level!
The confirmed players are ranked 11, 15, 21, 25, 27, 29-36, 39, 40, 42. 43, 47, 48, 50-53 and 56!

If Bartoli at 11 and Vinci at 15 get knocked out, it very much opens up the field!

[Sallydaisy]

:lol:
Lisa Raymond first played doubles at the Sony Open in 1994 - the year her playing partner this week was born!!!




(I note she won the mixed doubles gold medal last year with Mike Bryan)
David - I think you must mean the Bronze Medal because the Gold Medal was won by Azarenka/Mirnyi who beat Murray/Robson (silver medallists) at the Olympics.

However, Lisa and Mike Bryan won the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Final last year (perhaps you were thinking of that?). I was there and it was played under the Centre Court roof because of the rain/poor light.

[david1610]

Thanks Sally, yes, mixed them up - though in some ways that was keeping in the spirit of talking about something mixed! :)

[david1610]

Laura and Lisa playing at 12:00 local or 4:00 p.m. UK.

[harriet]

got the break in first set, serving for it now, 5-3, laura serving, and makes it
first set 6-3
opponents are the number 4 seeds, ekaterina makarova and elena vesnina
so its the eeEEEEEs versus the elllllls

[cazza99]

The are on serve in the second set, the ls serving at 2-3 .

[Gary D]

anayone know of a Livestream?

[harriet]

nup, but i know the result, llls served for it at 6-5, and won 6-3, 7-5

[harriet]

my LS totally froze so don't know the story of that set

[Sallydaisy]

Wow, excellent result from Lisa and Laura!
:clap:

Into the Semi-Final where they'll play the winners of QF between [1] Errani/Vinci v [7] Mattek/Mirza

[RoastLamb]

Fantastic!!!

[Linda]

Well done the Ells! :clap: :clap:

[david1610]

Great result. Very, very tough match next but SF of a tournament like this is wonderful, wonderful experience for Laura and even better shortly before the Fed Cup play-off!

[JAMES4578]

Fabulous result for Laura and Lisa, well done!:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[supergran]

Fantastic result! This is a good partnership for Laura as Lisa has so much experience and expertise and must be so beneficial to her game and outlook.

[david1610]

Article on Laura and Lisa with some nice quotes about Laura from Lisa.
http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/3122913/title/raymond-robsons-miami-run-continues

[pabbers]

Brilliant!

[Jan]

Fantastic - well done to LR and LR!! :cheer:

[jaysee]

Another article from the tournament website: http://www.sonyopentennis.com/News/Tennis/2013/Tournament/Robson-Raymond-QA.aspx

[harriet]

when is the next game? friday?

[patmoren]

They are not on the OOP today.

[Sallydaisy]

when is the next game? friday?
Pat's right. OOP (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1720-MIAMI-20-31-March-2013-(Masters-1000).-Main-thread-information-and-entry-list&p=130816&viewfull=1#post130816) in the forum.

[harriet]

laura/lisa on today, 12.45, no 1 seeds errani/vinci. about 5pm here? theirs is the first game

[david1610]

Laura and Lisa took the first set 6-1 against the no. 1 seeds !!!! 3-2 up in the second with a break. Given doubles format, still some way to go, of course!
They have been paused on that score for a while now. Raining, medical timeout or ls malfunction?
Edit: back and the score is now 5-2! Whisper it quietly - Laura is involved in a match where so far she has made NO DFs!!!

Edit: They win 6-1 6-2 against the number 1 seeds!

[Alis]

................. and Laura and Lisa win 6-1, 6-2 against the first seeds. FAB-U-LOUS!!!!!!!!

[JAMES4578]

Absolutely sensational result, well done Lisa and Laura!:clap::clap::clap::boogie:

[patmoren]

Fantastic Lauras' first ATP final, another milestone