The agony at not being out there was palpable on Laura Robson’s face as she accompanied Sue Barker in Fed Cup commentary this week. This event at The Shrewsbury (UK) Club marks the return to tennis of former World #27 after another injury setback forced Robson to undergo hip surgery.
The Road to Wimbledon Starts in Shropshire for Laura Robson
It’s circa 140 miles from Shrewsbury to Wimbledon. However, for the now-World #349 Laura Robson that journey is likely to be even more painstaking than walking that distance in a chicken suit. Wimbledon will seem miles away for Robson and she is tight-lipped on any plans other than starting off in qualifying for the Shrewsbury event. Robson turned down a wild card for Wimbledon last year, in favour of giving someone-else a chance. This was due to her form suffering because of injury.
Laura Robson’s Recovery Starts with a Nostalgic Trip Back to her Grass Roots
Robson will be familiar with the venue, as she played there earlier on in her career. Whether she thought she’d be back in heart of British grass roots tennis a few years ago is doubtful. However, she seems positive and pleased to be back in the game.
Yanina Wickmayer, Sabine Lisicki, Freya Christie, and Potentially Heather Watson also to Play in Shrewbury
A strong British and international field lines up. Heather Watson is still declared for the tournament and would be the #1 seed. However, Watson has been hotel-bound for Britain’s Federation Cup tie in Bath this week due to sickness; Laura Robson is commenting on the event, staving off the desire to get out there and help her team out. It would be a promoter’s dream if Robson was to meet Watson for only their 2nd competitive match. Laura Robson won their only previous encounter in Barnstaple 2011.
Potential British stars of the future also take their chance in Shrewsbury, as 19-year-old Jody Burrage and 21-year-old Freya Christie also compete.
Robson Needs to Show Strength and Desire to Make Comeback Work
Returning down the rankings from injury is becoming routine for Laura Robson. It must be wearing away at her self resolve. Tim Henman and others have commented previously that Robson can still get back to the heights of when she was World #27. The talent is there; it will be a tough journey, but she possesses the resolve to do it.
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