Laura Robson: Peering into the re-emerging British tennis future

Laura Robson’s victory over Venus Williams in the first round of the Rome Masters reinforced the fact that the re-emergence of British tennis amongst the bastions of European tennis is here to stay, and for good. And,though, Serena Williams dashed the youngster’s brilliant start in the second round, the loss only proved the vanquished’s valour as much as it hit home about the winner’s dominance.

There’s a lot about Laura Robson that evokes promise in her and makes her a well-deserved cynosure of the world’s eyes. Her manner of approach to the game, the subtle-yet-distinct confidence that she brings to the court and more than anything else her abilities, that have made her rivals not only take notice of her but also acknowledge the immensity of her talent. Child prodigy she may have been, but indeed Laura is one of those few who have managed to make a par transition from the junior playing circuits to carve her own niche amongst the highly profiled seniors.

Be it her exultation after her second round win over Petra Kvitova, in the Australian Open, after a long and prolonged struggle, or her poise after her loss to Sloane Stephens in the pre-quarter finals, Robson has beyond doubt the ability to stand tall irrespective of whether match outcomes go in her favour or against her. Her statement made after her win against Venus pretty much reflects this composure and attitude. “I just like it on big courts against these huge players because I just go out there with nothing to lose.” For a 19-year old to be so grounded and yet so profound is as rare a quality as it can get. It also speaks a lot about Robson’s maturity as it does about her outlook towards victory and loss.

It may not be fair to compare but there aren’t many who have been able to carry on with their game in the same vein after a loss, as they would after a win. It then indeed makes this British teenager, a recipient of the 2012 WTA Newcomer of the Year award, unique in many ways.

It is however this uniqueness of Robson that could end up being a pitfall. The mantle of expectations has surged with each victory that the British teen has achieved and sustained in the short time of her WTA journey. Her losses, on the other hand, are treated as stepping stones for the teenager for her future. Considering the number of shoulders hoisting Robson, it won’t be a surprise to see not many holding up in case of her inadvertent stumbling. It then wouldn’t take time for the Olympic doubles’ silver medallist, for her all uniqueness, to be cast aside like she was never there, in the first place.

Not that it would be a new thing. Player after player, has gone through this gamut; a vicious cycle that has only gotten more vicious and raucous over the passage of years. The overcoming of which, depends solely on the player himself, or in this case, herself.

Knowing Laura Robson, or rather knowing about Laura Robson, however gives a surety that she won’t fall prey to such momentary flowing of expectations that would only ebb at the earliest. It is then with a heartfelt compliment to the teen that one correlates her unflappability with that of the proverbial British ‘stiff upper lip.’